Page - December 17, 2008
Good wood is timber and wood products which come from ethical and ecologically sustainable sources.
Good wood is certified by a credible third party system such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or is in transition toward certification. FSC certified wood products may carry the FSC logo (shown at left).
Ecotimber is one type of good wood that is in transition toward certification. It is produced by communities in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea with assistance from Greenpeace. Beautiful ecotimber is shipped to New Zealand buyers and is available for purchase.
Search for a good wood product or timber species
Good wood:
- is produced with minimal harm to forests;
- protects people's livelihoods in the forest;
- is verified as coming from a well-managed forest or plantation or is certified by a credible certification system such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Invest in your future
New Zealand imports timber products that are illegally harvested from forests close to home. Over 80 per cent of Indonesian's timber is illegally logged, according to its own government and the World Bank. In Papua New Guinea, illegal logging is linked to corruption, environmental destruction and human rights abuses. This timber and associated products are sold throughout New Zealand.
As a consumer, you have the power to save the world's forests. If you reject illegal and destructively harvested wood, the timber companies will stop the destruction.
If you are a timber or furniture merchant, manufacturer, retailer, or specifier, you could be in the Good Wood Guide.
More questions? Check our FAQs.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in the Good Wood Guide is accurate and comprehensive, it is intended as a guide only. The Guide presents over 100 products from 20 wholesalers, manufactures and retailers New Zealand-wide. However, it is not intended to be a complete guide but rather to show that there are plenty of good wood products available. The information given in the guide can also be used to find other products.
The companies listed in the Good Wood Guide are in no way endorsed by Greenpeace and nor can the claim to be. Many sell products that are from or drive forest destruction and illegal logging as well as good wood products that are FSC certified or ecotimber and transition products. We urge you to make it clear to merchants, retailers, your architect and your builder that you are only interested in buying or using good wood and to be very selective about what you buy and use.