Tropical Timber

Over time I have commented about Merbau specifically as well as other tropical species that are being harvested in a way that is at a minimum suspect.

We know that a lot of illegal logging happens and we also know that much of that timber lands in china for production of flooring, furniture, etc…

Recently congress has started working on a bill that would be designed to reduce or restrict tropical timber from entering the US. The Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007, introduced on Aug. 1 through Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is aimed at taking a bite out of this crime. My understanding is that this would be an amendment to existing laws that protect wildlife trafficking like ivory and other black market products. By extending the same law to plants and trees it would provide similar protection which should be a good thing.

I suspect the EU has similar legislation in the works as well. For once I can say that they Government may actually have something good in the works when it comes to regulation!

Both environmental groups and businesses (at least manufacturers based in the US) are in favor or this type of legislation.

I support it from the context of making sure that good usage of timber and harvesting in a responsible sustainable way.

Although this will guarantee increases on tropical timber species for flooring and furniture in the future I think that folks who buy the $3.99 merbau flooring today would think twice and ultimately make the right choice not to buy it since it was illegally logged. Most customers who buy these kinds of products really don’t know they are buying “slash and burn” illegal logs.

Our decision not to stock merbau for the last 24 months has been a direct result of our inability to tell the difference between the good guys and the guys selling illegal stuff. And yes it has probably cost us a little short term profit, but we all believe it is the right thing to do. This is now expanding to other species as well including potentially kempas and possibly even Brazilian cherry at some point. Any tropical timber could be impacted ultimately.

As my scoutmaster used to say, “Always leave the campsite better than you found it.” I think our obligation is to leave the planet better than we found it.