New regulations have been put in place by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to set minimum timber harvesting standards to protect sensitive ecosystems. The FSC is an international, non-profit organization that works to promote sustainable forest management, and their certification system ensures responsible forestry practices. The new standard sets minimum standards for timber harvesting that apply to all FSC-certified forests….
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in the lumber industry, resulting in high demand from home builders and shortages of supply, leading to record-high prices. Shutdowns of mills and factories coupled with increased demand from people investing in home improvement projects or purchasing new homes created the perfect storm. High lumber prices create difficulties for contractors and homeowners, making it…
The US Department of Commerce imposed a tariff on imports of softwood lumber from Canada on April 24, 2017, as alleged subsidies on Canadian imports were deemed to have given an unfair advantage to the country’s forest products industry. Softwood lumber is crucial to the construction industry with the US one of the largest consumers. Canada is the largest exporter…
Hardwood is an eco-friendly and sustainable option for building materials that has been used for centuries due to its durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. Hardwood structures require less frequent maintenance and replacements, making them a cost-effective option. Maple, oak, walnut, and mahogany are some of the hardwoods suitable for building materials, each with their unique characteristics and benefits. Hardwood is…
Conifer forests, including pine, fir and spruce trees, are under threat from climate change, a new study has shown. The trees prefer specific environmental conditions, which means they struggle to adapt to rising temperatures and increasingly frequent droughts. One impact is higher frequency and greater severity of wildfires, often triggered by conditions caused by climate change. Warmer temperatures are also…
Sycamore, a small town in Illinois, holds an annual charity drive every winter to provide necessary items such as clothing, food, and toys to community members in need. The drive is run by local organizations and volunteers who work hard to identify the needs of each family and provide personalized assistance to them. The charity drive has been making a…
Willow Smith has opened up about her mental health struggles in her new memoir “The Anxiety”. The book highlights her journey through anxiety and depression, pressures of stardom, and the impact of fame on her mental health. Smith emphasizes the importance of self-care in managing mental health issues, including techniques such as meditation, therapy, and creating art. She also talks…
Juniper Networks has unveiled a suite of software-defined networking (SDN) products that are operated by machine learning algorithms. The new range of products includes WAN Assurance software to help identify and resolve any network issues that arise, a cloud-native firewall with built-in artificial intelligence (AI), and boosted AI-driven support to maintain external networking. Juniper says the introduction of new SDN technology will…
Alder has become home to the largest urban farm in the region, covering 25 acres. The farm will provide a source of fresh, locally grown produce, as well as being a hub for community engagement, education and outreach. Alder anticipates a significant impact on the local community in terms of food security, sustainability and environmental conservation. The urban farm will…
Wildfires in California have increased in frequency and intensity recently, causing significant damage to the state’s ecosystem. The fires release pollutants into the atmosphere, causing respiratory problems and harming the environment. Wildfires also impact California’s water supply, causing soil erosion and polluting streams and rivers. They have a devastating impact on wildlife and forests, destroying habitats, altering soil chemistry, and…