The Cedar Solution For Climate Change

The term “sustainable wood” may sound redundant, and it would be reasonable to assume that using any plant-based product would be sustainable; however, the truth is sustainable wood refers to any method of harvesting wood that ensures continued growth.

For wood to be sustainable, it must be harvested legally, and the logging must create minimal harm to the environment the trees live in. Not only must the trees continue growing, but the nearby animals must be able to live undisturbed, and water must remain unpolluted. Sourcing wood in a sustainable manner means the landscape is left intact, and the forest is managed accordingly to keep ecosystems thriving.

As many know, deforestation has been an ongoing issue. Trees have been cut down with little regard to the damages made to the environment and without effort to replace what has been taken. Over the last thirty years, the rate at which deforestation occurs has slowed. Despite this, the issue is still one of concern since global warming and carbon emissions remain a threat to the health of the planet. It is not enough to slow down deforestation. We must also look to ways to use Earth’s resources that promote continuous life cycles. This is where the discussion of cedar comes in.

Perfect Properties Of Cedar

Cedar trees belong to the coniferous group of plants. This category is mainly characterized by the ability to grow cones. Cedar trees originate from the Mediterranean region in Europe and the Himalayas, but today they are also found in North America. There are over 15 cedar species and what makes them notable to the discussion on renewable resources is their durability.

Because they possess a natural chemical preservative, cedar trees do not deteriorate easily and are hardly affected by damp climates and extreme weather. Ironically, cedar is classified as a softwood and is lightweight and not very dense. This makes cedar trees easy to carve and cut into. This characteristic is a main contributing factor as to why it is harvested so frequently. In addition, nails and screws can be implanted with little effort, and cedar wood’s surface generally retains polish and paint well.

Is Cedar Good For The Environment?

The question of whether cedar or any material is “good” for the environment doesn’t always have a simple answer. In many cases, the definition of what is good for the environment is based on whether the resource in question is more or less harmful than other options. Because so many products are produced at a large scale, it can be complicated to say whether something is wholly good for the planet.

For example, in comparison to steel or concrete, cedarwood is absolutely better for the planet. The production of concrete creates CO2 emissions, and steel production leaches toxic chemicals into the water. Furthermore, cedar requires less energy to produce than steel or concrete. It also is naturally insulated, which can save more energy when used in homes. Because it is a naturally occurring plant and not man-made, cedar trees can regenerate and grow to keep ecosystems thriving and our air healthy. Using wood in place of steel and concrete leads to less greenhouse gas emissions and less pollution.

When comparing cedar to bamboo, on the other hand, both are renewable sources that absorb carbon dioxide. However, bamboo’s life cycle is a lot shorter than most trees, cedar included. Bamboo can mature in as little as 1-5 years, which is five times faster than trees. Despite this, cedar is still more readily available in several countries, whereas the bamboo market is mainly dominated by China.

Organizations In The Cedar Industry

Based in Vancouver, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association is a nonprofit association that prides itself on representing the Western Red Cedar industry. Its goal is to educate consumers, builders, and architects about cedar and why it’s one of the most environmentally responsible building materials. On its website, visitors can find helpful information about cedar products for outdoor and indoor use.

Longhouse Specialty Forest Products is a family-owned company also located in British Columbia. The company specializes in Western Red Cedar, and since 2007 Longhouse Cedar has held FCS certification through the Rainforest Alliance. This company, in particular, produces decking, solid wood flooring, different varieties of FSC® certified cedar siding, and other products. Longhouse shares that its cedar is sourced sustainably from nearby forests in the Pacific Northwest. As a result, the cedar doesn’t need to travel far and cuts down on the company’s carbon footprint. In 2020 the company won manufacturer of the year for its cedar siding that was used in the Pacific Centre Family Services Association building located in Victoria.

Some species of cedar Longhouse uses include Western Red and Yellow Cedar. Both of these varieties are completely recyclable. Reclaimed wood has been used for hundreds of years and helps reduce the number of materials that are needed for construction and thus reduces the impact on the environment. Aged cedar can be used for new purposes after a little cleaning and staining. Longhouse recognizes these benefits and makes a point to share this information with consumers.

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Cedar’s Biodegradability

Landfills have been quickly filling up, and the need for biodegradable products is urgent. Recycling was the original solution to this issue; however, the human population still manages to produce an estimated 2.12 billion tons of waste each year. In California alone, there was a whopping 44.4 million tons of trash that went to landfills in just one year. Landfills receive construction waste, industrial waste, household waste, plastic waste, electronic waste, radioactive waste, sewage, and run-off waste. These products can take years to decompose, which is why biodegradable items are so essential when considering what we buy and invest in.

There are endless options when it comes to housing materials, yet there are only a few when biodegradability enters into the equation. Construction involves a lot of adhesives, metals, and paints that can have toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, petroleum, and volatile organic compounds. Many of these materials are man-made and therefore do not easily if at all, break down naturally. Because cedarwood can biodegrade back into the Earth, it’s an excellent material to include in housing and furniture to combat the negative consequences of these other harmful building materials.