Best Bets for Non-Slip Outdoor Surfaces #SafeSwimmingWeek

Author
By Jill Canty

DuraLife Decking Capped Composite Decking SKU: 15181184

It’s #SafeSwimmingWeek, which means it’s time to think about the ways you can make your home pool secure for all swimmers. Regardless of whether it’s a play zone for the kiddos or a place for you to get in a few dozen laps each morning, it’s critical to ensure that you have the safest type of outdoor flooring surrounding your pool. Check the top three choices for pool decks ranked by safety, plus some great benefits and tips for each option.

3rd Place: Decks

DuraLife Decking Capped Composite Decking SKU: 15181181

Wood and composite decks are popular options when it comes to creating outdoor pool decks. There are certainly some appealing factors when it comes to wood or composite, including the lower price point. Of course, not all wood options are made equal; while pine is inexpensive, teak is more expensive yet also more durable. Meanwhile, composite decks might cost a bit more but typically don’t require waterproofing and other upkeep required for wood.

While you might be attracted to the natural, rustic beauty that comes with wood and composite decks, they’re unfortunately more dangerous than other pool deck options. Wood and composite can both become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Even if you purchase top-quality lumber, there’s no getting around the fact that it could make your pool a little less safe for adults and kids alike. Choosing a textured surface over composite or wood decking is a better choice.

2nd Place: Tiles

Kesir Travertine Tile – Antique Pattern Sets SKU: 10071438

Are you considering using tile for your pool deck? This versatile flooring option can look absolutely stunning in an outdoor setting. Tiles come in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, so it’s certainly the best choice if you want something that’s highly customizable. However, many tiles have a slick surface that becomes slippery at the slightest hint of moisture, making them unsuitable for use near a pool. Because of this, you’ll want to avoid using any type of polished natural stone, such as glazed ceramic, marble, or porcelain tiles.

SKU: 10071438

The good news is that a few types of tile do work well for use around outdoor pools. Slate and honed travertine tiles have a textured surface that won’t become as slippery as polished tile. In addition, they look stylish and can be customized in a variety of patterns and designs. Many people also incorporate these tiles into outdoor pathways leading to the pool or into an accent border around the edge of the pool.

Be forewarned that tile typically needs to be sealed to protect the grout from cracking over time. You’ll also want to double-check that you’ve chosen tiles specifically made for outdoor use and can withstand freeze-thaw cycles if you live in certain climates.

1st Place: Pavers

Get the look: Cabot Travertine Pavers – Pattern Sets SKU: 10089772

Coming in at first place for outdoor pool decks is pavers. These are the safest option available if you want to add a special touch to your pool deck without sacrificing safety. Pavers are naturally non-skid and slip-resistant, making them the ideal choice for reducing the risk of slips and falls in this area, even when splashing makes the surrounding deck very wet.

The great thing about pavers is that the safety factor is just the beginning of a long list of benefits. This pool decking option is also resistant to fading and stains, so it’s a low-maintenance option that requires little upkeep. You’ll also get the ability to customize the look of your pool deck since pavers come in a wide variety of colors and textures and can be laid out in various patterns like checkerboard or herringbone. Pavers are easy to install and can be easily replaced, so if one happens to crack or chip you can repair it for a very low cost.

Honorable Mention: Concrete

If you’re looking for pool deck flooring options that meet your style standards, concrete might not be high on the list. It’s not nearly as customizable as tile or pavers since the color and pattern options aren’t as varied. Plus, it may not offer the upscale look you’re going for.

That being said, concrete is another safe option for pool decking if it’s installed correctly. Smooth concrete will be slippery when wet, so this type of pool deck must be installed with a special finish to add traction. Broomed and exposed aggregate finishes can add a bit of extra texture to the surface for this purpose, or a textured overlay or a sealer with clear plastic grit can be applied to create a slip-resistance surface.

Keep in mind that concrete does require occasional cleaning and resealing to maintain its appearance. However, it is one of the more economical choices in terms of price, and some concrete companies offer a variety of options when it comes to adding patterns or colored overlays to the surface for a more stylish look.

Pool Deck Safety Tips

Looking for other ways to improve safety around your pool? Here are a few more tips to keep in mind during #SafeSwimmingWeek:

• Add a fence around your pool. Unfortunately, the lack of barriers around outdoor pools results in hundreds of deaths each year. Installing a fence reduces the risk of an accidental drowning and keeps children and intruders from gaining unsupervised access.
• Use self-closing, self-latching gates. As with a fence, a gate reduces the risk of little ones falling into the pool while unsupervised. This type of gate ensures that the pool is closed off when people are coming and going.
• Install a pool cover. When the pool isn’t in use, a pool cover protects from accidental drownings while also keeping out debris.
• Use a motion sensor or alarm. This additional layer of protection is especially useful for parents with small children who may wander into the pool area.

Creating a safe pool deck will allow you to relax and enjoy your pool to the fullest. In honor of #SafeSwimmingWeek, reconsider your current pool deck surface and other safety measures around the pool to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep you, your family, and your guests safe.

For further information log on website :
https://www.builddirect.com/blog/best-bets-for-non-slip-outdoor-surfaces-safeswimmingweek/

How to Properly Light Your Landscape

Author
By Brian Rees

One of the joys of owning a home is being able to do anything with the landscaping you want. In order to make sure that you achieve the look you want, it pays to spend time designing the right type of lighting plan for the grounds. This is not as difficult as you may think. Here are some tips that will help you decide how to position lighting around the front and back yards, and choose the right type of lighting for each area.

The Difference Between Direct and Indirect Lighting

In some areas of the grounds, you will want to use direct lighting. This is lighting designed to illuminate a specific space. The purpose may be to call attention to a particular landscape element such as an island of blooming plants. You would also want to include direct lighting if you have an outdoor cooking space on the patio or in a gazebo. With the latter, the goal is to make sure you have enough lighting to manage whatever tasks are normally performed in that space.

Indirect lighting is softer and tends to cover a wider area. You’ll want to go with this approach when there’s the need for diffused light. Since you are not attempting to illuminate some type of work space or call attention to a specific element in the landscape, placing the lights in the right spots helps to make it easier to move around the yard at night and have just enough light to see where you are going.

That indirect light also enhances the look of all the landscaping elements at night. As people walk or drive by your home, different elements will appeal to them without detracting from the rest of the landscape design.

Lighting Paths

Soft lighting along any paths on the property is a smart move. Consider adding a series of small lights close to the ground on at least one side of the front walkway. You can also extend the row down the driveway to the street. The lighting provides a pleasant scene when you come home at night. If you are expecting guests, the path lighting paired with the porch light will ensure they have no trouble getting to the front door.

Use the same approach to paths in the back yard. Soft illumination leading from the patio to a utility shed or a gazebo makes it easier to walk in the dark with confidence. It also adds a visually appealing touch that you will enjoy looking at as you gaze through a window or enjoy sitting on the patio.

Many solutions for lighting paths are considered low-voltage. In other words, they don’t require a lot of energy. You can invest in a system that comes with a timer. Set the timer so the lights come on around nightfall and then shut off an hour or so after everyone is usually home. When you have a party, it’s easy to adjust the timer so the lights stay on longer.

Adding Security Lighting

Security lights are definitely an element you want to include in your outdoor lighting scheme. Position those at the corners of the home so it’s easy to see any activity occurring in the yard. Remember that the lighting does not have to be so glaring that it keeps you up at night. There are bulbs that cast a softer glow while still illuminating enough space to ensure intruders will be noticed.

Remember that motion-activated security lights are an excellent choice. They will activate if any type of activity takes place close to the home. That means if you enter the patio space after dark, the lights along the back of the house will automatically activate. The same holds true if you have a security light mounted between the garage and the front or back door. Along with being a great safety measure, motion-activated lights are also more energy efficient.

Make sure your lighting plan focuses on safety, security, and calling attention to some of the more attractive elements in your landscape. Feel free to adjust the layout or add new lights to achieve the look you want. The result will be a lighting scheme that is practical and increases the curb appeal of the property.

For further information log on website :
https://www.builddirect.com/blog/how-to-properly-light-your-landscape/

Green Housing – Bamboo and Cork Flooring Solutions

Author
by Matt Smith

If you are wondering how you can minimize the environmental footprint with the surface you walk on; you should contemplate eco-friendly flooring options. Thanks to the green movement becoming the main stream, green flooring designs are offering bountiful of beautiful flooring options for your green home. Two standard eco flooring options are Cork and Bamboo flooring, which we will discuss in this article.

Cork Flooring

Evora Pallets Cork – Porto Tile Collection – Glue Down Floor SKU: 10084479

Fallen bark from Oak trees gets hand harvest after a couple of months of drying in the forest. The fact that the trees stay in tack and are not cut down to create this product makes cork flooring super eco-friendly. After wine bottle corks are punched out from the bark, the post industrial waste gets processed into sheets, baked and cut up to form tiles for flooring. Cork flooring can be designed in different styles, shapes and can come in up to 40 variety of colors.

The comfort cork flooring has to offer, will make you feel like you are walking on clouds, as the cork is very springy and flexible and this means it is shock absorbent as well. Cork is also very sound resistant, and it keeps warmth which is excellent for energy saving. Another plus factor of having cork flooring installed in your home is that it does not accumulate dust and it will guard against mold, mildew, rot, and pests as it contains a natural substance called suberin.

It is evident that cork floors are eco-friendly due to its resources, the way of production, its sufficiency and the fact that acts as insulation for your home. Even more, cork is not a bad choice if you are looking for something that is aesthetically appealing and it can be found in the color and design that fits your style.

Despite the comfort cork has to offer under your feet, it may have its downside as well, and that is why you should keep in mind that dents can be caused by large furniture resting on the floor for an extended period of time or scratches from a cat sinking its claws into the cork. Therefore before laying your whole house out with cork floors, consider in which area of the home it will benefit you more and where it might not be such a good idea.

In bedrooms, cork floors can add to your comfort, especially for children who like to play on the ground for whom it will provide extreme comfort and warmth when it is cold. Areas where you tend to stand for a long time and where spills might often occur, like in the kitchen, will also gain from cork flooring. Keep in mind that cork does not do well in a humid area because it might warp and change color and therefore having cork in your bathroom might not be such a bright idea. Cork also has the tendency to fade in color, and if you do not offer it some shade through blinds or curtains, it is best to keep cork away from the areas that get direct sunlight during the day.

Cork flooring can come in the form of planks or tiles in different varieties which are manageable to purchase on a budget. High-quality cork is stable which is only needed to be renewed every eight to ten years if necessary.

Bamboo

Carbonized Strand Woven Bamboo

After mature Bamboo poles or culms are harvest, the manufacturers crosscut them to length and then slice them into strips to begin the bamboo tiles production. Skin, nodes get removed from the poles before the time while the pieces get boiled in a boric acid or lime to remove the starch and sugars. After the bamboo has been dried and planed it can be colored darker through a carbonizing process of steaming under a heat pressured controlled method, this also causes the planks to become softer.

Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly alternative to hardwood flooring as it is physically similar. Bamboo flooring is strong, durable and has a natural resistance to insects and moisture. Just like wood, bamboo flooring can look very stylish as well and will keep beautiful for a long time as it is easy to maintain.

Handscraped Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is more water resistant than the average hardwood flooring and all it needs is a semi-regular sweep and an occasional wipe with a damp mop to keep it shiny. Do however take caution when applying bamboo to a humid area in your home as humidity can cause the planks to crack, and excessive water caused by flooding can cause mold and warping. Even when the floor gets discolored over time or gets covered in scratches, you freshen its look again when you reapply a finish coating after sanding it down.

Despite the fact that the nature of bamboo flooring and the way it is harvested are very eco-friendly, many final products contain VOC. The adhesive which holds the pieces of shredded bamboo stalks together may release volatile organic chemicals which are not good for the environment–so be sure to ask your flooring provider about low VOC options.

With an extensive selection of affordable bamboo flooring available on the market, it is easy to find any style to suit your home. Bamboo has a distinctly elegant look and is making a trend in green housing.

For further information log on website:
https://www.builddirect.com/blog/green-housing-bamboo-and-cork-flooring-solutions/

What is Acacia?

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If you’re unaware of the stunning flooring option that is acacia hardwood, get ready to learn about your new interior design obsession. Acacia wood makes for durable floors with eye-catching patterns. It comes in a variety of options, leaving you with the difficult task of choosing which fits your home best.

Properties and Maintenance

Image via Flickr by oliver.dodd

Overall, acacia flooring has a high hardness and a low moisture content, which means it’s both durable and doesn’t shrink or warp very easily. Acacia flooring lasts a long time, providing homeowners with a good investment. Plus, acacia is easier to maintain than many other flooring options. Acacia only needs to be washed and polished every so often for it to maintain its lustre and beauty.

Acacia is a good choice for families because the floor’s durability means it won’t be easily damaged and frequently in need of repair or replacement. Despite its hardness, acacia is comfortable to walk on and tends to retain warmth. Plus, you can use it indoors or outdoors.

Australian Acacia

Australia is home to almost all acacia species. Acacia wood gets its fire resistance because, like most species native to Australia, it had to adapt to the frequent brush fires endemic to the Australian climate. Australian acacia isn’t fireproof, but the wood is naturally fire resistant. Among a number of other survival traits, some of the Australian acacia species can grow very wide, which makes it a fantastic wood for flooring, furniture, and instruments.

Australian Blackwood, one of the most popular types of acacia wood flooring, has a Janka hardness rating of 1160 and a low volumetric shrinkage rate of only 11.9 percent. Australian Blackwood is typically medium golden or reddish-brown. It has a uniform, fine texture and a mostly straight grain that may occasionally interlock.

Another Australian acacia hardwood is called Raspberry Jam. This hardwood has a dark, reddish-brown heartwood with a lighter sapwood, but the red coloring isn’t why it’s called Raspberry Jam. Apparently when it’s cut, it smells a little like jam. Raspberry Jam acacia has a Janka hardness rating of 3100 and a very low 5.4 percent volumetric shrinkage rate. The grain is uniform and fine.

Acacia Mangium, more commonly known as Black Wattle in the US, has a 1750 Janka hardness rating and is dried to 12 percent moisture for use as flooring. Mangium is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea and has a close grain pattern. You may find Mangium coming from Pacific Island manufacturers because the tree was imported and grown there.

African Acacia

Technically, the scientific community doesn’t consider African acacia to actually be in the Acacia genus anymore. Though they’re now in the Vachellia genus, wood floor manufacturers and interior designers still know the beautiful patterns and wood to come from African species acacia. African acacia is famous because of its biblical connections; it’s one potential translation of “gopher wood” with which Noah built his fabled ark. Ancient Egyptians frequently used acacia wood to build coffins.

African acacia trees typically have large thorns that protect them from predators. Smaller animals, like monkeys, hide in acacia trees when fleeing their natural predators. Like Australian acacia, African acacia has adapted heartily to its environment. Hailing from Northern Africa is Red Acacia, also known as Shittim. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1150 and 9.5 percent volumetric shrinkage rate.

Camelthorn, also known as Giraffe Thorn, is an extremely durable acacia wood variety with a Janka hardness rating of 3680. It has a medium grain with a uniform pattern and is typically a rich, dark brown with hints of red and a yellow sapwood. Because it has protected status in South Africa, Camelthorn isn’t easy to get as an acacia flooring option. It’s beautiful, but so are many of the more ethically obtained acacia hardwood flooring choices.

Hawaiian Acacia

Image via Flickr by Starr Environmental

Although Africa and Australia are the two most well-known places in which acacia grows, Hawaii has its own species of acacia, called koa. The koa tree is native to the Hawaiian islands and is the tallest native tree growing on the islands today. Hawaiians used to use koa wood, which grows plentifully in Hawaiian forests, to make houses, oars, and canoes.

Koa is one of the most expensive and sought-after woods in the world. Quality instruments are often made with koa wood. You may not be able to find koa as a hardwood flooring option (unless you want to order some specially), but you will be able to find some beautiful handcrafted furniture made with koa wood.

Koa has a Janka hardness rating of 1,170 and a volumetric shrinkage rate of 12.4 percent. Its color often bears comparison to mahogany, featuring beautiful medium golden and reddish browns. It has a coarse, interlocking grain that often appears wavy, even sometimes curly. Its beautiful color and texture patterns, along with current Hawaiian restrictions on cutting the trees, make it quite rare and highly in-demand.

Acacia Interior Design

Acacia hardwood in a contemporary kitchen

Because of the variety of grains, the diversity of stain options, and plank length and width, you’ll be able to find Acacia flooring in a style that fits your interior design motif. One of the most stunning things you can do with acacia flooring is to make the floor itself a centerpiece of your room and your design. Choose an acacia floor option with lots of light and dark diversity in its grain. When each plank meets, it’ll create a geometry of color that will naturally draw the eye.

Acacia is almost always warm in color, which means that it’ll warm up any room you choose it for. That makes it lovely when paired with other warm, calming colors, like beige, burgundy, and earthy greens. When you want a natural motif that evokes the charms of the outdoors, acacia flooring is your best bet. It looks lovely in rooms with other wood accents, because it can hold its own without being overwhelming.

To really jazz up your interior design, try acacia wood on your staircase. Lay the planks parallel with each stair to create a stunning and surprising staircase. Paint the rest of the stairs white or your favorite version of off-white to really set off the acacia wood’s pattern. If you don’t have it in your budget to redo your stairs, consider installing an acacia bannister to pull together your design, especially if you’re using acacia flooring in another part of your house.

Acacia also looks gorgeous with modern decor. Choose wide planks and a darker shade, then accent the room with your favorite bold colors and clean lines. Something in a white, gray, and red motif will bring out the subtle reds in acacia flooring without overwhelming the eye.

When it’s time to install new hardwood, renovate an old carpeted room, or fix up your newly purchased house, acacia wood is a sound flooring choice. Though it’s a popular wood, the number of choices will keep your floor as unique as you are.

Interested in purchasing acacia hardwood flooring for your home? Click here to browse our wide selection of acacia flooring products.

For further information log on website :
https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/hardwood-flooring/what-is-acacia/

A Guide to Ethical Wood Use

We tend to think of the tension between pristine nature and human ambition as a contemporary struggle, but the urge to own and exploit forests is a fundamental human impulse. At every point in history, wherever humans have possessed sufficient technology or population to deplete natural abundance, we have done so. In much of Central America, Australia, Europe and Africa, territory that has been void of trees for centuries was once cleared by people to make fire and build homes. According to one theory, the Sahara is the result of a giant, ancient clearcut. Today’s forestry dilemmas are simply the latest round in what has been a protracted engagement.

The wood of large, healthy trees has been the foundation of craftsmanship since the beginning of human endeavor – a hundred thousand years or more. What is the craftsman of today to make of the threatened extinction of many tree species? How can we preserve the traditions and values of the woodworking experience while also protecting and nurturing the woods which have made craftsmanship possible? What follows is a basic guide to navigating these difficulties.

Are Craft Woods Endangered?

The classic woods – teak, mahogany, oak, cherry – represent the romantic character of woodworking. The health of these species is essential to the craft tradition, and each one is in danger. Over-harvesting of these woods, particularly in old growth forests, has led to environmental and supply challenges wherever commercially viable timbers are grown. It’s difficult to know precisely how serious the problem is: environmental groups call it a global crisis, whereas most lumber companies are solidly sanguine. But on balance, much more evidence supports the environmental position.

Teak

Most teak comes from Myanmar (formerly Burma), with Indonesia, India, and Thailand also producing considerable amounts. The wood is unequivocally endangered. For several years, reports out of Myanmar have claimed that the military government often uses forced labour to harvest the trees from plantations. These plantations, in turn, have largely supplanted indigenous rain forests. Much Myanmar teak is sold in Thailand, and consumers have no way of determining which of the two countries the wood came from.

Additionally, scarcity and reputation have together contributed to the appearance of new varieties of ‘teak’ that are not teak at all: Rhodesian teak is umgusi, and many other teak substitutes – with various names – are iroko. Each of these woods is outstanding in its own way, but neither will match the teak that may already decorate your boat or china cabinet.

Mahogany

South and Central America were once plentiful in so-called ‘true’ or Honduras mahogany, but for more than a century the stocks have been dwindling and now approach extinction in many areas. In Bolivia, Panama, Guatemala, most of Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico, naturally-growing mahogany supplies have been exhausted, and all current mahogany production is from plantations. Moreover, worldwide scarcity has led to the practice of labeling various substitute woods ’mahogany.’ The most common are agba, ramin, idigbo, iroko, African mahogany (khaya) and Philippine mahogany (lauan). Agba and lauan are the woods most likely to be called mahogany in plywood.

Oak

There are more than 200 species of oak (not including the Australian and Tasmanian varieties, which are not true oaks). This diverse group grows in every temperate region of the northern hemisphere, and has long been a favorite among craftsmen. Oak was used as the principal wood for the British Royal Navy from the 16th to 19th centuries, and the wood’s contribution to that endeavour (the making of a warship consumed about 3,000 trees) is the main reason that England has many rolling hills and open fields but no longer any substantial forests.

Among the world’s timbers today, oak is currently faring better than some; which is to say that most of the old growth timbers have been harvested, supply is costly and limited, and much illegal and unsustainable logging takes place.

Cherry

A member of the rose family, cherry flourishes in areas that have been cleared by forestry or fires. It does particularly well in Canada and the U.S. on open, unshaded land that has been allowed to reforest naturally. The abundance of cherry during the middle part of the twentieth century was possibly a result of mature trees (about 80 years old) being harvested from lands that were abandoned during and after the American Civil War. Recently, the supply of cherry has begun to dwindle, and will likely continue to do so. 

Ironically, as a growing environmental consciousness promotes selective harvesting, leaving fewer clearcut areas and more shade, cherry trees will become more scarce.

Cherry is typically used for fine furniture, as are several substitutes, Brazilian cherry (jatoba) and sapele (an African wood) among them. Neither of these woods is a true cherry, but both are equal to cherry in beauty, longevity, and durability.

Ethical Harvesting: A Homegrown Solution to a Global Problem

Sadly, choosing woods is no longer simply a matter of aesthetics and functionality. Craftsmen are the purchasers, and therefore the stewards, of much of the world’s hardwoods. This suggests an ethical responsibility to preserve and replenish the materials that offer so much to the craft tradition. One practical and straightforward solution is to use local woods harvested by people in your community. After storms, when property is cleared for building, or when decay and residential culling require trees to be felled, countless board feet become available. Most communities have wood salvagers (who reclaim old wood from condemned buildings or from riverbeds), tree surgeons (who often make wood available for subsequent use), and portable bandsaw operators (who saw trunks into boards). Most of the wood in my shop is reclaimed or personally harvested. Not only is this approach more environmentally sound, it’s also far cheaper than purchasing from retail or import sources.

In the Pacific Northwest, most local woods are pale in colour. Much of the beauty of tropical woods, conversely, is derived from their deep, rich hue. If this appeals to you, but you wish to use local woods, consider darkening the wood with water-based aniline dye. With the right mix of dyes, almost any colour match can be achieved. I routinely dye maple to look like cocobolo, and birch to mimic cherry. Frequently, when I look at the work months or years later, I can’t easily tell which woods are substitutes.

And with today’s finishes, tropical woods no longer outlast local ones. Tropical woods might generally be stronger than local varieties (perhaps with the exception of oak and maple), but most woods today are used primarily for aesthetics. Strength comes from other materials layered over or under the wood: MDF, steel, composites, and fiberglass (in the case of boatbuilding). Today’s materials offer strength and durability superior to any wood (with the surprising exception of Douglas fir, which by weight is stronger than steel). Purists will inveigh against an approach that substitutes modern for traditional materials, but a purist aesthetic only makes sense within an ethical context that respects the wood and its conservation.

Ethical Purchasing: Know Where Your Wood Comes From

A number of recent initiatives have been undertaken to protect the forests and, by extension, the supply of woods for craft use. Groups such as the International Forest Stewardship Council promote the philosophy of ’chain of custody,’ in which wood is tracked at every stage in its progress from forest (or plantation) to final sale. FSC currently certifies about 42 million hectares of forest in 60 countries (about 4 million hectares are certified in Canada, among 18 forest companies). Organizations such as the American Tree Farm System and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative have developed similar guidelines.

Certification and chain of custody should mean that you can be sure your wood was not harvested using forced labour or from endangered old growth stocks. But as with many initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders from government, industry, and culture, international wood certification is a complex, messy business. As a consumer, it’s difficult to know what standards are being applied, and whether your purchases actually contribute to conservation. Ideally, certification should be the international equivalent of buying wood from your local tree surgeon, salvager, or wood-lot owner: you’d know precisely where it comes from.

But until certification becomes an internationally dependable mechanism, our ethical responsibility as consumers is to know the origin and status of the woods we buy. Many people already make ethical choices to avoid products on environmental or political grounds: Chilean sea bass (actual name: Patagonian toothfish), ’blood’ diamonds from Africa, animal fur, tuna, salmon, GMO crops, and so on. Typically, industries are slow to act upon environmental concerns until pressured by consumers. Ask your local wood supplier where the wood comes from, and whether it’s harvested responsibly. If the supplier balks, or doesn’t know, go elsewhere. Conservation and trade are complementary aims, and reputable wood suppliers support both.

Look for wood certification (particularly FSC), but don’t depend solely upon it. Every commercial wood species used for boat building and furniture construction is currently under duress, with some close to extinction and others struggling for habitat. Even the famous red cedar of the Pacific Northwest is vanishing. Over-harvesting is a global problem, and you can safely assume that any wood, from anywhere, requires caution in purchasing and use. If you find one of the many substitutes for teak, mahogany, and cherry, be aware that most of these are endangered as well. Know and respect your wood.

Tropical woods are available from certified, sustainable tree farms and timber recyclers: jarrah, purpleheart, mahogany, teak, cocobolo, jatoba, and many others that are nearing extinction in their native habitats. Until the long-term solution of restoring native rain forests is achieved (and this may not happen), tree farms are one ethical way to make tropical hardwoods available for human use, despite their lack of biodiversity in comparison with rain forests. And if you are a tropical hardwood aficionado, you can even grow your own trees, by contracting with organizations such as Tropical American Tree Farms.

The appeal of wood derives from the beauty of its structure and the romantic resonance it imparts. Much of this resonance involves the past, and notions of endurance. As craftsmen, we honour the spirit of that endurance by ensuring its future.

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About

Ross Laird, Ph.D. is a best-selling author, acclaimed educator, and award-winning scholar. He is a sought-after speaker on themes of personal and professional development, mentorship, leadership, addictions, mental health, and creativity. Ross has worked with hundreds of organizations and thousands of individual clients and students, from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to corporate boardrooms and university classrooms across North America.

For further information log on website :
https://www.rosslaird.com/creativity/2007/07/16/guide-to-ethical-wood-use/

World Environment Day: Share Your Dreams

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• BY BAMBECO

Across the world leaders and public figures are gathering today to support the environment. World Environment Day, hosted this year in Italy, marks the United Nation’s biggest day for environmental action and awareness and this year’s theme is close to our hearts at bambeco: “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume With Care.”

Over consumption and the sustainability of Earth were among the reasons bambeco came into existence so we feel this year’s World Environment Day is especially appropriate. According to the UN, if current consumption continues at its current rate we will need 3 Earths to sustain our lifestyle by 2050. That’s not acceptable to us, and obviously the world leaders and celebrities that are part of World Environment Day agree.

So, what can we do? As part of this year’s celebration the UN is encouraging everyone to become a steward of the planet and to share their efforts by registering their activity on their site, www.unep.org/wed. Last year’s World Environment Day received over 6,000 pledges and 3,000 actions registered online and they hope to surpass those numbers this year. But what should your action be?

Living sustainably can mean altering your entire lifestyle or just making a more responsible choice at certain times. Things like buying organic and supporting local farmers and markets are a small change to your norm but add up to a big impact. Same with conserving water and energy at home, or making sure that empty bottle goes in the recycling instead of the trash. All of these things take small changes by you but, when combined with everyone else making similar changes, add up to a real impact.

Other more substantial ways to live more sustainably include shopping responsibly. Products made with recycled materials help conserve resources because no new material is needed for their production, plus you’re reducing the pollution that would come from making a new item. Even more green is buying items that are reclaimed, repurposed, or vintage. By finding a new use for something old, or giving new life to a previously used item, you are letting the impact of that item count for even more. Reclaimed wood items protect new trees, which in turn protect the environment and fight climate change.

World Environment Day is about demonstrating that we, as citizens, are all united alongside our planet in the fight against climate change and environmental threats. By embracing this year’s theme of sustainability every day you can help make it possible for those 7 billion dreams to have a chance to come true right here on our 1 planet.

For more information about World Environment Day visit www.unep.org/wed and to share your dream and make your pledge, use the #7BillionDreams.

For further information log on website :
http://blog.bambeco.com/world-environment-day/

Where does it come from? Acacia Wood

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• BY BAMBECO

In the green marketplace, Acacia wood is often touted as “eco-friendly.” It’s a beautiful wood, prized for its rich brown and gold color, and it’s a fast growing resource. But is it green?

When it comes to the Acacia products bambeco sells, the answer is a definitive “yes.”Acacia grows everywhere in Thailand and there literally hundreds of species worldwide and they are very adaptable, growing well in almost any condition. In Thailand, they are called “rain trees.” The trees are often used for erosion control, but they must be carefully contained to prevent them from become invasive pests.

Bambeco’s sustainably harvested Acacia comes from trees that are downed for other reasons – road clearings, selective forest thinning, downed trees and similar. Rather than let the lumber go to waste, it is harvested for use in home décor items. The usual harvest time for Acacia wood is 30 years. It is a fast growing and renewable resource.

The wood is hand selected for its light and dark contrasting grain and since it’s a medium-hard wood, it’s perfect for kitchen tools and serving pieces. The natural oils resist moisture and the wood will become even more beautiful when burnished from a lifetime of use.

Skilled craftsmen in small workshops transform raw slabs of this beautiful wood into items as useful as they are beautiful.

For further information log on website :
http://blog.bambeco.com/where-does-it-come-from-acacia-wood/