Why Knot Gift Yourself A Good Story?
The holiday season always reminds us of the power of a good story—and in the hardwood industry, there’s one story we should be telling better: the story of sustainability.
Hardwood is the essence of sustainability. Few industries contribute more to forest health, rural economies, and carbon reduction. The railway industry needs ties. Forests need management. Society needs jobs—and pallets for transportation. Hardwood connects it all, creating social, economic, and environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration and renewable resource use.
Without hardwood, other industries would fill the gap with nonrenewable materials—consuming more energy, emitting more CO₂, and recycling only a fraction of what they produce. We win the carbon and sustainability story every time. There’s just one problem: we’re not telling it.
A Conversation Worth Remembering
Not long ago, I spoke with someone proud of her “green” lifestyle—using reusable bags and avoiding paper to save trees. I explained that unmanaged forests lead to dying trees because loggers can’t remove smaller ones for pulp. I also mentioned that only 43 percent of aluminum and a mere 6 percent of plastics are actually recycled. By avoiding wood, she wasn’t saving trees from being cut down—just from being managed sustainably. She had something to think about.
The Data That Tells the Truth
We have powerful tools to prove hardwood’s sustainability—but tools are only as effective as the data we put into them. Without real data, we’re left with anecdotes instead of evidence.
The best gift you can give the hardwood industry this season is your data—proof that hardwood is the most sustainable material available. We need to show that renewable is better than recyclable, that hardwood is often reusable, and that carbon storage is what truly defines sustainability. Data drives discussion, informs policymakers, and helps us make our case with facts.
How You Can Help
Here’s how to take action:
Visit the U.S. Forest Service Carbon Tool at AWC Lifecycle Survey and create an account. Enter your consumables—wood, energy, water, diesel—and your outputs to calculate your carbon footprint.
Yes, it takes time to gather that information, but NHLA has received a grant to help members complete this process. We’re here to guide you through it. Your data already exists—it just needs to be collected and shared.
The Gift of a True Story
Hardwood’s sustainability story deserves to be heard. It’s not just good for the planet—it’s good for our industry, our communities, and our future.
Share your data. Show your impact. And help the world understand that hardwood truly is the most sustainable choice.
Why knot gift yourself—and the industry—a good story this season?
Resources
U.S. Forest Service Carbon Tool:
https://www.uspioneer.com/AWCLciSurvey/Index.
