From Guest Blogger Malene Thyssen: Is Wood Always the Eco-Friendly Option?

So, you want a new set of windows and doors. Fine, that seems like a pretty simple decision, but there’s actually a lot to deliberate over. Will you choose cherry or chestnut, bronze or beige? Are you leaning towards traditional trimmings or a glossy modern finish? How about simplicity or sophistication?

Now, you’ve ummed and ahhed over the aesthetics, how about the practical side?

We’re talking about wood or uPVC here. Which will you choose? Well, obviously wood because it’s always kinder to the planet, isn’t it?

Hmm, it’s debatable. Although uPVC is evidently damaging for the environment, wood may not always be the most Eco-Friendly Option, and this is something you should take into consideration for all your construction needs.

So, Just How Bad Is uPVC?

uPVC is the cheap but far from cheerful option. It’s regularly chosen for windows due to its durability, insulation and soundproofing advantages. But for every advantage lurks a dodgy disadvantage.

uPVC is otherwise known as ‘poison plastic’ due to its environmentally-damaging production process. The manufacturing process requires harmful chemicals and emits waste bi-products such as tar wastes which, if not dealt with properly, spread into the environment, causing a threat to marine ecosystems.

Over the course of its lifetime, the plastic releases harmful additives and toxic wastes. It also contains harmful compounds which increase the chance of cancer and other illnesses.

What About Wood?

As a carbon-neutral resource, wood is always considered the eco-friendly option. It’s regularly chosen for its attractive finish, low energy consumption and low Carbon Dioxide emissions.

Compared to other materials, it certainly has its advantages. But there is one drawback you should consider when choosing wood. That is the effect of deforestation. The removal of trees for construction, housing and other means at a rate faster than replacement has an adverse effect on ecosystems, soil systems and increases the quantity of Carbon Dioxide in the environment.

This can cause species extinction among many other disadvantages.

Oh Dear, What Can We Do Then?

Opt for wood that has been specially sourced from sustainable trees to be a little kinder to the environment. Various processes occur during sustainable practices to reduce the effect of deforestation and ensure that only healthy trees grow.

The first step includes the planting of millions of seeds to procure the strongest seeds for the next stage. Intensive pruning is undergone during the course of growth to ensure healthy, strong and tall trees. Once felled, all the parts of the tree are used to reduce waste. For every tree that is felled is at least one tree to replace it.

When seeking a sustainable wood provider, always ask them about their wood practices. Suitable questions to ask include: is your wood sustainably farmed, is it treated with any toxic substances? Are recyclable materials used during the production process? Ask today and feel better about the furnishings you put in your home.

When weighing up the pros and cons of uPVC and wood, it is clear that wood is the eco-friendly option but not without its disadvantages that you must take into consideration.

What construction projects have you undertaken lately and what materials did you opt for in the end?