At The Oaktree, we understand that environmental responsibility starts with the materials we use. When it comes to wood and wood chips, sustainable sourcing is critical. This guide equips you, the business purchaser, with the knowledge to make informed decisions that benefit both your bottom line and the planet.

Why Sustainable Sourcing Matters

Unsustainable forestry practices can have a devastating impact on ecosystems. They contribute to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion. By choosing sustainably sourced wood and wood chips, you’re helping to:

• Protect Forests: Sustainable practices ensure healthy forests for future generations and the vital environmental services they provide.
• Combat Climate Change: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases. Sustainable forestry promotes healthy forests that can continue to mitigate climate change. This is why our partners are adding inoculated biochar back to the soil so that the next generation of forest has a richer soil to grow in than the previous. Building the soil’s carbon over time is a guarantee for long-term sustainable practice. Treated biochar isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for the business as well.
• Support Responsible Businesses: You’re making a statement that you value ethical practices throughout your supply chain.

How to Identify Sustainable Wood and Wood Chips

We look for certifications from reputable organizations like:

• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI): Focuses on a broad range of sustainability aspects, including forest health, water quality, and community engagement.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Recognized globally, with a strong emphasis on environmental protection, including old-growth forests and high conservation value areas.

Beyond Certifications: Additional Considerations and Focuses

• Local Sourcing: Reducing transportation distances minimizes your carbon footprint and supports local economies.
• Species Selection: Opt for fast-growing, renewable species whenever possible.
• Transparency: Buy from suppliers whose sourcing practices and certifications are in line with The Oaktrees. 
• Technology: We use different technologies to ensure that we purchase from organizations that follow our code of conduct and through technology, we can communicate this to various stakeholders.

Taking Action

• Relationships: Partner with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability.
• Educate Others: We educate our partners and share best practices as much as we can
• Explore Alternatives: Consider using recycled wood products whenever feasible.

By prioritizing sustainable wood and wood chip sourcing, you’re making a positive impact on the environment and demonstrating your company’s commitment to responsible business practices. Let’s work together to ensure a healthy future for our forests and our planet.