Sustainability and Live Edge Wood

As more and more people have become aware of the importance of sustainability, the demand for eco-friendly products has increased. This trend has extended to the live edge wood industry, which has adopted various sustainability practices to help protect the environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the sustainability practices in the live edge wood industry. 

Live edge wood refers to the natural edge of a piece of wood that has been cut from a tree. The natural edge is left intact, giving the piece a unique, organic look. Live edge wood is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and decorative items. 

One of the most important sustainability practices in the live edge wood industry is responsible sourcing. It’s crucial to ensure that the wood is harvested sustainably, meaning that the tree is cut down in a way that doesn’t harm the environment or the ecosystem.

Many live edge wood companies, including The Lumber Shack, work with local sawmills or small-scale loggers to source their wood sustainably. This approach not only helps to protect the environment but also supports local businesses and communities.

Another way that the live edge wood industry practices sustainability is by using reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood refers to wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, barns, or other structures. This approach reduces the need to cut down new trees, helping to conserve natural resources.

Reclaimed wood can also have unique characteristics, such as nail holes, weathered patina, or old-growth grain patterns, which add to its beauty and value.

The live edge wood industry also practices sustainability by reducing waste. When a tree is cut down, only a small portion of the wood is used for live edge products. The remaining wood is often discarded as waste.

To reduce waste, many live edge wood companies use as much of the tree as possible. This includes using the smaller branches and twigs for smaller items like cutting boards or coasters, using sawdust for compost, and turning wood scraps into charcoal for cooking or heating.

The finishing process for live edge wood products can also have an impact on the environment. Many traditional finishes contain harmful chemicals that can harm both people and the environment.

To combat this, many live edge wood companies use eco-friendly finishes, such as natural oils or waxes. These finishes are non-toxic and biodegradable, making them a more sustainable choice.

The live edge wood industry has made significant strides in adopting sustainable practices, from responsible sourcing to reducing waste and using eco-friendly finishes. By making conscious efforts to protect the environment and educate consumers, the industry is helping to create a more sustainable future for us all. When shopping for live edge wood products, it’s important to look for companies that prioritize sustainability and make an effort to protect the environment. By doing so, we can help to support a more sustainable and responsible industry.