The G Word

In this case, the C stands for certified, as in certified wood and wood products. Behind the C word is the concept that wood must meet certain environmentally correct standards as it moves from forest through manufacturing and distribution to the final customer. Several organizations have been formed to ensure through audits that forests are managed according to internationally agreed principles and performance criteria so the customer is assured his purchase is from a forest having a balance between trees, plants, animals and the ecosystem.

As this concept moved from the still waters of theory to the churning waves of the marketplace, new voices began to be heard. Some said that while surveys indicate public acceptance of certification, the great majority, apparently, won't pay extra for certified wood. Others see it as a hopelessly utopian idea. Wholesalers and distributors claim few retailers ask for it. Retailers worry that they would need a double inventory if they sell both certified and non-certified wood, with all the cost implications of doubling up. How to sell and handle a job with some of this and some of that is also a concern.

Skeptics charge that certification is nothing more than a stalking horse for the real aims of the environmentalists behind the movement, i.e., to eventually stop all timber harvesting so no trees are ever cut anywhere for any purpose.

Home Depot, an early enviro convert, has used its greenness to garner public support for the concept. Other retailers of varying size as well as some mills and wholesalers now are beginning to respond to certain buyers that will accept only certified wood.

Europeans are creating their own certification group, while America's Forest Stewardship Council is being attacked from within by the U.K.'s Rainforest Foundation, which accuses it of various failings. In New Zealand, Rayonier, after a two year trial, has dropped certification and the FSC as its forest auditor.

Stay tuned. This controversy promises to be a lengthy one.