The world that we live in is the only one we will have and we need to respect it. We all need to help keep it healthy. With my woodworking I achieve environmentally responsible woodworking in the following ways
In these ways I work to produce environmentally friendly woodworking.
• Build with quality to last: This world has only so much to give. So when we use natural resources we need to use them as efficiently as possible. In using wood I build so that the furniture and cabinetry will last a life time. This way I use the resource once and end the cycle of throw away goods.
• Use wood products from responsible sources: In North America we no longer have the forests to clear cut for hard wood. We now selectively harvest hard wood trees. This is a less destructive way of harvesting. In the other parts of the world (Africa, Asia and South America), people still clear-cut forests for hard woods. I do not use wood from these sources. The Forest Stewardship Council monitors wood from these areas to make sure that they are from responsible sources. If I use non-native hardwoods I only use Forest Stewardship Council wood.
• Use Low VOC Finishes: Volatile Organic Compounds are one of the leading causes of household air pollution. I use low VOC finishes in all of my work. It is better for you, me, and the whole world.
• Building to LEED standard: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. I build to these standards and more
In these ways I work to produce environmentally friendly woodworking.