What Makes FSC Ipe A Sustainable Wood?

Environmentalists and eco-savvy shoppers who are looking to add a sense of flair to their homes may want to do some more research into sustainable woods. Truth is, despite all the misinformation that is paid for by composite decking companies, there is hardwood decking and hardwood flooring options out there that are eco-friendly. Many people have heard about FSC ipe, FSC decking and FSC flooring, In fact, with the Forest Stewardship Council and the United States Green Building Council promoting the use of sustainable and certified woods for use in green building projects, there is even more attention being paid to how wood is used and where it comes from.

But, what makes wood like FSC Ipe sustainable?

There are many reasons why FSC certified woods like ipe are sustainable. The process of becoming a certified FSC wood is a stringent one and there are many regulations and people out there that actually monitor how ipe wood is both cultivated and harvested. For instance, it’s a common practice for FSC Chain of Custody companies to oversee the process from planting a seed, to milling the lumber, to shipping the ipe decking to your job site. In addition, it’s also common for the Forest Stewardship Council to tell a lumber company, “In order to harvest this FSC ipe, you will need to plant tigerwood, cumaru, and some garapa in these designated areas.” This way, there is overall ecological balance is maintained and strengthened.

Here are some other unique ways FSC ipe is sustainable:

• Can be harvested from fallen or dead trees
• Is also harvested from ipe trees that no longer produce seeds
• Planting five new trees for every one that has been cut
• Selective logging and planting to maintain a balance that does not lead to deforestation

Whether you’re thinking of building a deck, installing a floor, or building a brand new home using green building construction techniques and eco-friendly wood and materials, knowing the truth behind the claims will let you have peace of mind when you’re spending your hard earned money. In addition, don’t fall for the lies that composite decking companies tell when they say that they’re products are truly eco-friendly. Why? All you have to do is research “composite decking problems” or “composite decking recalls” and you’ll see that composite decking is an inferior product. But, while that alone doesn’t make it non-eco-friendly, all you have to do is think of the bigger picture. If a composite deck is made of recycled plastics and wood fibers, the overall strength and resiliency of the deck is suspect and, it’s reasonable to conclude, weak. If, after a couple of years, you have to replace some deck boards, or replace the entire deck itself because of maintenance issues, you will not only waste money, but also materials. All this waste is not good for the environment. However, if you built a hardwood deck with FSC ipe, you can rest assured that your deck will require no maintenance and will last for decades safely.

By researching and buying FSC certified products like FSC ipe decking, or FSC ipe flooring, or any other FSC wood or eco flooring product, we can show the marketplace that the demand for sustainable wood is real and not just a fad. After all, with the environment becoming a huge focus for the world’s economy and its population, the use of both renewable and non-renewable materials continues to be put under the microscope. Indeed, this is another reason why worldwide and local organizations like the FSC and the United States Green Building Council exist and why we should all endorse their efforts by buying these eco-friendly and sustainable wood products. Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we all do our part to ensure that the wood products we use really do come from managed forests that practice sustainable forestry practices.