From the chief executive
From the Autumn/Winter 2009 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
‘Wood. Naturally better’ is the slogan of a national campaign designed to encourage consumers to think not just about a product’s cost, performance and appearance, but also the impacts that the product has on the environment.
Forests NSW is pleased to be part of the timber-focused initiative, spearheaded by Forest and Wood Products Australia. The campaign includes advertising, publications and an informative website. Here consumers can gain insights into not just the structural performance and appearance of timber but also environmental issues such as the role native forests play in addressing climate change.
To me it has always appeared to be quite simple. Trees in forests grow naturally, harnessing sun and water and absorbing carbon as they grow. These trees are cut down and milled – still retaining the carbon. These timber products are then used to build our homes and furniture – still retaining the carbon. Meanwhile, the forests grow naturally once more, the cycle continues with more carbon locked up over and over again.
While much emotion can surround debate on these issues, consumers need to make informed choices. Would you rather use a building product grown naturally, or a product that has taken intensive fossil-fuel driven energy to produce? Make a decision for yourself by visiting www.woodnaturallybetter.com.au.
Meanwhile, see page 8 for a story on our work on forests, wood products and climate change. I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine, the first of our new twice yearly publication.
Nick Roberts - Chief Executive
