But recently, the human consumption of trees has grown at an alarming rate. Trees are a renewable resource, but only if they are allowed and encouraged to grow again.  Deforestation is cutting trees down and preventing trees from growing back.  Deforestation allows humans to plant crops and build cities, but it also shrinks the world's forests.  Replacing a tree is a time-consuming thing. It takes many years for a tree to grow to a size that is usable.

Losing trees is a global problem. There must be a balance between conservation and growth, between people and forests. What if we used scientific principles, caring thought, and common sense to manage our trees, the Earth's most important natural resource? That's where certification comes in. Humans must set standards and principles that take into consideration the environment, the economy, and the people.

Certified wood is all about balance.