Deforestation is a very real threat to the well-being of the planet, and it is not just the result of development encroaching on jungles and rain forests.
Firewood is the main source of domestic energy for people and populations in remote and undeveloped areas to this day, and in instances where electricity consumption is high, such as with heating, people are returning to the use of wood.
Firewood has been collected indiscriminately and has left large gaps in the landscape and trees have often not to reached maturity as the demand for wood outweighs the availability or the difficulty in gathering the wood.
This method of supplying the homestead with heat energy is not sustainable.
Much like various crops are rotated to provide maximum growth and renourish the soil without devastating a plantation.
Buying firewood from a reputable supplier and in bulk, either for the season or part there of will prevent unnecessary buying of random bags of wood, the origin of which is not definite.
Wood sold from an unmanaged crop or untracable source could mean that indigenous trees may be damaged or lost in the protest, this will have further impact on the ecology.
A reputable supplier will have considered the sustainability of a firewood supply operation. Our firewood is sourced from a rotational and varied supply which allows trees to be replanted and to reach maturity before harvesting of firewood can happen again.
By managing the harvesting of firewood the sustainability can be maintained.
Caring for natural resources so that they can be used indefinitely. Preventing deforestation will help to maintain the natural ecology of an area, keeping birds, animals and companion plants in the area.
Do you ever wonder where the things you buy in the supermarket come from? If you do, the thought of where things like firewood and the like come from.
If you are inclined to buy a bag of wood at a time, you are probably buying your wood from a retailer or a small concern or individual. Give a thought to where the wood that is being sold comes from.
Do you buy firewood whenever the seasons turn cold? Do you buy one bag at a time or do you order a load to be delivered to your home? Whichever you chose do you use the same supplier everytime?
Often a seller of firewood will only be in business for as long as his stock lasts, but someone who has sourced a reliable supplier who will be able to supply firewood indefinitely will remain in business throughout the year and be there when the seasons turn cold again. This is manly because the firewood is harvested in a sustainable manner.
It is estimated that one third of homes in South Africa are reliant on wood for energy. The amount of wood used by these homes on annual basis is staggering. Approximately 6 tonnes of wood was harvested from natural wood lands. If this was done indiscriminately the sustainability of forestry and in turn firewood for energy is in jeopardy.