Is hardwood flooring considered to be a healthy choice for the environment?
It is a common belief that harvesting wood for flooring has an incredibly negative effect on the forests they are harvested from. However, wood is being replanted and renewed continually and we actually are gaining volume in our forests yearly in the United States. Harvesting mature trees also helps the ecosystem by allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor which stimulates new growth. Look for wood products with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. Manufacturers who have produced products with FSC certification have taken extra steps in managing forests responsibly.
