If the source of wood does not come from sustainably managed forest areas, then choosing wood will still have a significant impact on the environment (be sure to check FSC certification when purchasing wood). Choosing wooden doors, flooring, and furniture is an environmentally friendly choice. There are many benefits to using wood in home decoration, from its good insulation effect to the positive psychological impact it brings.
We have summarized the best reasons for using wood as raw material for our home.
1.Wood is a renewable material
As is well known, wood is a natural material and renewable, which means that compared to other materials, wood causes less damage to the environment. According to data from the British Woodworking Federation, over 90% of the wood used in the UK comes from forests in Europe, which grow at a rate of 661000 hectares per year. This indicates that it is a sustainable resource and will not be depleted in a short period of time.
2.Wood can be used continuously for a long time
There are many factors that affect the service life of wooden products, including the type of wood, the location of product use (indoor or outdoor), and the processing method. Generally speaking, wood is lightweight but also sturdy and durable. As Ian Smith, the general manager of A Wood Idea, said, “If handled properly, the lifespan of hardwood doors and floors may exceed that of humans, some even exceeding 100 years. The longer wood is used, the less energy is used to produce new products, which in turn is more beneficial to the environment.”
3.Wood can be recycled and reused
Wood is durable and an ideal material for recycling and reuse. “Using recycled wood can maintain a very low carbon footprint, which means reducing the use of newly processed wood, lowering import costs, and protecting our natural wood resources for future use.” said Ruth Adams, co-founder of furniture recycling company Rust Collections, “Recycling wood for reuse means fewer materials are sent to landfills or burned, reducing environmental pollution. Another benefit is that recycled wood furniture is full of personality and primitive charm, which is a characteristic that only ‘outdated’ wood has.”
4.Wood can absorb carbon dioxide
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of wood. As a “carbon reservoir”, once wood absorbs carbon dioxide, it is stored there and kept outside the atmosphere. Iain McIlwee, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation, stated that wood is the only truly sustainable building material, and for every cubic meter of wood used in construction, approximately one ton of carbon dioxide emissions can be saved. Wood can indeed play a significant role in carbon storage. For example, through the research of the Wood Window Alliance, we know that if we choose wooden windows instead of PVCu materials, each window can save 160kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
5.Strong insulation performance of wood
Iain Smith from A Wood Idea said, “The cellular structure of wood makes it more natural and effective in retaining heat than other materials – in fact, wood has a heat absorption effect seven times that of tiles.” The internal chambers of wood absorb heat, creating a naturally warm home that requires less energy for heating, which is more beneficial to the environment.
6.The waste generated from manufacturing wooden products is 100% biodegradable
When manufacturing wooden products, whether it is flooring, doors, or windows, almost all can be achieved without waste. Any residual debris can be burned as energy or used as sawdust in the manufacturing process. The Forestry Commission states that “there is no waste in wood production. The scraps and by-products of wood processing industries such as furniture manufacturing can be used to manufacture particleboards and generate renewable heat and energy.” The waste generated from production is 100% biodegradable, which means it will eventually decompose and return to Earth, making it more environmentally friendly.
7.Wood has a positive impact on physical and mental health
Research has shown that reducing the amount of artificial materials and introducing natural alternatives (such as wood) can reduce stress and anxiety levels at home. Dr. Marjut Wallenius, a psychology professor at Tampere University, said, “Wood has a psychological impact on humans and a similar stress relieving effect on nature.” She added that research so far has shown that wood has a calming effect: “This is based on the positive emotional experiences that wood evokes, such as being close to nature, which produces feelings of warmth, simplicity, and relaxation.”
In summary, wood has unique textures and warm materials that can meet the aesthetic and health needs of the public. Its good processability enables it to be applied in more fields and makes outstanding contributions in environmental protection and climate mitigation. Such wood is truly admirable.
