Did you know that you can install new hardwood flooring in your home that came from a protected forest? Forest protection
is a concern that has come to everyone's attention in the recent years. Sustaining our environment and animals
eco–systems is important. This is why the FSC, Forest Stewardship Council, came to existence. As a third party,
independent and accredited organization finding flooring for your home that hasn't damaged an eco–system results in
landowners commitments to continue safe forestry practices. It’s a win win situation.
Finding FSC certified hardwood flooring doesn't have to be a long drawn out process. Its accreditation makes finding a new
floor for your home a smart and important choice but you must know what to look for. When shopping for FSC certified exotic
hardwood flooring like Ipe, Brazilian cherry or white tigerwood make sure it is stamped with the FSC label that includes a
certification number, product type, copywrite claim, and the certification code unique to that specific company.
The FSC has stated that any FSC certified exotic hardwood floor product can be traced back to a certified source.
Greenwashing is very popular so if a company claims a product is FSC certified, but it isn't stamped with the logo on
the product go ahead and ask to see the supplier's FSC certificate. You can also ask to see their product tracking
information which includes invoices which will show you if they are in fact FSC certified.
Here are some other tips and resources to help you during your shopping experience for FSC certified exotic hardwood
floors:
- Start by checking the Forest
Certification Resource Center, which has a searchable database of suppliers and companies
that currently make and sell certified wood floors. Look for those flooring companies that use only FSC certified wood.
- When in a flooring store, be sure to look for the FSC logo on hardwood flooring products. Most items made with FSC
certified wood have on–product FSC labels. However some flooring manufacturers aren't consistent about applying them.
- If a company claims a product is FSC certified, but it doesn't bear the logo, ask to see the supplier's FSC certificate
and/or product tracking information, including invoices or receipts (which should indicate FSC certification).
