3 Things to Know About Deforestation & Its Effect on the Environment

The subject of logging and deforestation can be pretty divisive at times and is a pretty complicated issue. It’s alarming for our future generation that if we continue with the current rate of deforestation, we won’t have any rain-forests left in 100 years. But on the other hand, our population is growing and timber products such as building supplies and timber frames that we use to build houses, are one of the most economically viable and renewable resources we currently have available. In fact, using other materials such as plastic, metals, stone and brick for instance, can actually have even more of an adverse effect on the environment when you consider the energy required to produce them and other factors.

This article will discuss some of the relevant considerations when it comes to logging and timber products.

Sustainable Logging Does Exist

Thankfully, there are ways, we can log our forests in a sustainable way. Selective logging, which involves loggers picking out only the quality tree to log in a forest and leaving the others, can be distinguished with clear-cutting, which involves loggers clearing an entire forested area and taking all the timber. Interestingly, the former is actually more damaging than the latter given that removing one tree can be damaging to the trees around it with the heavy equipment that is used and the disruption to the area, which erodes the soil. Studies has shown that some 40% of the surrounding trees will eventually die as a result. Strip logging is a sustainable way of cutting down trees which is preferable in both options. This involves clear cutting a section or row of trees that runs along a river bank. When more timber is required, another strip of trees are cut down further away from the river up-slope. The idea here is that the materials that would otherwise erode the soil, move down the slope and wash away in the river, meaning the area is able to regenerate much more quickly.

Non-Sustainable Logging Has Negative Consequences

There are a number of consequences or negative effects that can caused by irresponsible logging. Certain species of wildlife have become extinct as a result of deforestation and this has a massive effect on different animals and insects. Flooding is also a common phenomenon in deforested areas, given that the water that would otherwise be absorb by the trees has nowhere to go. This can radically change the environment and ecosystem in the area, and can have economic implications too. It can also lead to changes in the water in rivers, streams and even lakes, given that greater quantities of eroded soil and other materials are washed into these bodies of water. This can have an effect of aquatic wildlife. Lastly, there is an obvious negative impact on the environment that comes about due to climate change.

We Can All Make A Difference

You should be well aware that the day-to-day habits of each of us can have a small but relevant impact on the environment, and it’s also wise to be mindful of this. When it comes to sustainability in regards to timber, there are many little things you can do to ensure we get the most out of every tree we harvest for timber:

• Recycle all paper and cardboard correctly, reusing it if necessary. Buy recycled paper where possible.

• Look for certified timber frames and other timber materials, whether it be furniture, building supplies, etc. This ensures it was harvested in a sustainable way.

• Cut down on printed materials, whether it be in the office or at home. Read books and the newspaper online if you have the resources to do so.

• Consider purchasing antiques and used furniture and timbers materials around the house.

Having an understanding and appreciation for where our timber comes from can help us make better choices for the environment in the future. This article has discussed a few of the considerations you should keep in mind.

#sustainability #environment