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What Wood You Choose?

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This short film tells the story of three Forest Witnesses from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who have seen the impacts of unsustainable logging on their forests and communities. They came to the UK in February 2012 to let MPs and businesses know why it's important that timber in the UK is from legal, responsible and certified sources. And they were enthused to see certified African timber in use at UK sites like the the Olympic Park and Southend Pier. Here's their story...



Other news:
Our 2012 report shows that the number of councils in the UK with sustainable timber policies has doubled since 2008. We’ve been working with councils for several years on this issue, and we’re really pleased with the progress that’s been made. 

97 councils have made a pledge with WWF to source responsible timber after our successful campaign. We will continue to support the councils that have made a pledge.

Our 2012 report showed that over half of UK councils still don’t have a sustainable timber policy, which means they could be sourcing illegal or unsustainable timber from places like Indonesia and the Congo Basin where illegal and unsustainable logging threatens forests, people and wildlife.

Our 2012 Barometer report shows that most EU countries are not doing enough to stem the flow of illegal and unsustainable timber or regulate its sale - despite the upcoming introduction of two pieces of legislation to halt its import.


This lovely film celebrates forests and our connection with them...



All the timber and wood products we buy - from furniture to flooring to paper - started life in a forest somewhere. Trees were cut down, processed and sold to you as a door, a kitchen worktop or maybe a book. But not all wood comes from well-managed forests.

So how can you be sure you’re choosing the right wood - wood that’s sustainably produced without causing harm to people or wildlife? Find out more…

Help support a responsible timber trade

You’d be forgiven for thinking the paper and wood we buy in the UK is all from good, sustainable and legal sources. But it’s not. When you go into a DIY store to buy wood, or you’re in a supermarket choosing toilet paper, you might assume you don’t need to worry about where it’s come from. Sadly, there’s still work to be done by all of us to stop illegal forest goods being sold in UK shops and ending up in our homes.

Logger cutting down an Ayous tree with a chainsaw, East province, Cameroon

When you buy wood or paper in the UK you could actually be supporting the illegal timber trade, without realising it. This trade seriously threatens forests, people and wildlife in countries like Indonesia and Cameroon.

What can you do? Choose FSC

We’re all consumers of wood and paper, and the products we choose can make a real difference. We know consumer pressure plays a big part in reducing illegal logging. Remember – the consumer is king (or queen). Tell your supermarket, DIY store or stationery shop that you want them to stock legal, sustainable wood and paper.

FSC logo © FSC

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) logo on wood and paper products tells you it has been sourced from well-managed forests according to high environmental and social standards.

You can find the FSC logo on all sorts of products: furniture, decking, sheds, conservatories, bird boxes, flooring, doors, shelves, wallpaper, writing paper, pencils, toilet tissue… in fact most things made from wood! It can also be found on less obvious items like charcoal.

Logs, East province, Cameroon