ATFA Press release
What do you live in???
What do you call home? It’s heartening to see that so many Australians cherish our forests and work to protect them. It’s a sentiment shared by the forestry industry and the timber businesses that provide so many essential products we use daily. Have you ever considered how we can reconcile a love for sustainable forestry with our reliance on timber in our homes and lives?
For years, passionate voices have warned that cutting down trees threatens koalas and other wildlife. This powerful message stirs deep emotions. But it’s worth reflecting on the context—many distressing images we see may not come from responsibly managed state forests, but rather from areas lacking oversight. This highlights the critical importance of sustainable forest management, which strives to protect both our environment and its inhabitants. Certified, sustainable forestry ensures deforestation is not associated with forest and wood products, therefore when consumers purchase certified forest and wood products, they can be assured it has come from a forest that is still a forest and has followed a responsible and ethical supply chain.
Imagine a future shaped by the choices we make today. If we reject sustainable forestry, we could find ourselves facing a world that is not only more expensive but also potentially more harmful to our planet. Wood stands out as one of the most sustainable building materials we have. Unlike concrete, steel, and plastics—each with significant carbon footprints—timber can offer a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative alternative. We know that forests are the lungs of the planet and that trees are the ultimate carbon sequestration machine, the carbon absorbed by trees is held within the forest and wood-based product for the life of that product as bio-genic carbon (carbon stored within biological materials like plants, trees, and soil). By using forest and wood products you are helping in the fight against climate change.
Consider the everyday items that enrich our lives: timber furniture, beautiful flooring, writing paper, cardboard packaging and even simple necessities like toilet paper. What would we turn to if we moved away from wood? Activists may call for an end to timber use, but what do they propose as alternatives? Would we prefer plastic composites, knowing they come from oil and contribute to further environmental challenges? There
are also many health benefits to working and living in an environment surrounded by timber, it provides a feeling of being among nature and is known by many architects and designers as biophilic design (humans’ innate tendency to seek connections with nature).
We’ve seen trends come and go, like bamboo flooring, which has left many dissatisfied due to its environmental impact. Today, vinyl products, another form of plastic, have emerged as options—yet they too have their own consequences. As we navigate an increasingly online world filled with packages, what will be our choice for packaging in the future?
It’s important to recognise the practical aspects of construction, too. A steel frame can increase building costs by about 30%, while timber not only stores carbon but is also renewable. Every detail matters—from decking to cladding to the very framing of our homes.
When we consider the future of our basic necessities, such as toilet paper, it becomes clear that alternatives are not always viable or enjoyable. Our reliance on timber is deeply woven into our lives, from infrastructure like hardwood telegraph poles to countless everyday products.
If the idea of timber use feels uncomfortable, let’s not forget the global perspective. We could turn our attention to distant forests, but the consequences of such actions can be dire. Sustainable practices in Australia are designed to balance our needs with the health of our ecosystems.
Plantation timber is a part of the conversation, yet it too can impact habitats. This raises questions about land use and the value of preserving native forests versus expanding plantations. The reality is that plantations require cleared land, and even after they have become operational, they are obviously still a home for native fauna and flora.
Ultimately, we all share a connection to our homes, most of which are built with wood. Let’s consider the role we can play in supporting the forestry and timber industries, championing sustainable practices that honour our forests while meeting our needs. Together, we can strive for a future where we live in harmony with our environment. What will your choices reflect about the world you wish to create?
Randy Flierman
CEO