As the world grapples with the global climate crisis, consumers are seeking out ways in which they can make eco-friendly choices that reduce their environmental footprint. The idea of shopping responsibly and incorporating environmentally conscious decisions into every purchase can seem like a daunting task. Everything we buy has an environmental, social, and economic impact and Australia’s immense appetite for consumption outweighs that of most nations across the globe. Making mindful and informed choices when purchasing products is one simple way individuals can support what is important to them and ensure that the product being purchased aligns with their values. But how do you identify these products?
One of the easiest things consumers can do to shop responsibly while helping to save the world’s forests, is to look out for the FSC label when making a purchase. Pressure on forests to produce timber and other forest-based products is ever-increasing and FSC plays a crucial role in securing protective measures that prevent deforestation. FSC also contributes to mitigating climate change at the forest management level by, for example, giving special attention to protecting the function of forests as net removers of CO2 from the atmosphere. The FSC label is found on a vast array of everyday products, from toilet paper to furniture and timber for construction. You can also find the label on non-timber forest products like latex and car tyres.
When you spot an FSC label featured on a product, you can be sure the material has come from a responsibly managed forest. This means that the trees have been harvested responsibly with respect for forest workers and the people and wildlife that call them home. All the wood is tracked from the forest to the store, and each label provides information about the origin of the materials used to make the finished product.
Simple everyday decisions can make a difference. Buying forest-friendly products by looking out for the FSC label offers you an easy way to ensure you’re shopping responsibly.