Ecological Footprint

Question 1

Is natural timber renewable and sustainable?

Answer 1

Yes, if manage correctly, they will never run out.

Question 2

What is the Forest Stewardships Council?

Answer 2

• FSC
• An organisation which ensures that timbers are from managed, sustainable forests, this means that trees are replanted after they are felled.

Question 3

Define deforestation?

Answer 3

The large-scaling felling of trees that are not replanted

Question 4

Why is deforestation bad?

Answer 4

• Trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen- if they are not replaced, the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere increases, adding to global warming.
• It also cause habitat destruction and loss, as the forest is home to many species of plants and animals. If the forest us lost, they will have nowhere to live and may even become extinct.

Question 5

Define conversion?

Answer 5

-Cutting trees into planks

Question 6

Define seasoning?

Answer 6

-Drying out newly felled timbers

Question 7

How does the conversion of logs into planks

Answer 7

This uses mechanised saws that burn fossil fuels, which leads to the increase of carbon emission, adding to the greenhouse effect and causing global warming.

Question 8

What are the two types of seasoning?

Answer 8

• Air

- Kiln

Question 9

What is the differences between the seasonings?

Answer 9

• In air seasoning, the boards are stacked and divided by narrow pieces of wood called stickers so that the air can circulate freely about each board. This causes the drainage of any moisture present in the timber.
• In dry-kiln seasoning, the wood is placed in a structure (kiln oven) in which heat, humidity, and air circulation are carefully controlled by fans and steam pipes, removing any moisture present in the timber.

Question 10

Evaluate the ways can timber be transported?

Answer 10

• Logs are transported to the sawmill by floating them down the river. This is the most ecological way to transport timber, as it has does not add to greenhouse effect, thus global warming.
• Whereas, Lorries cause the burning of fossil fuels, as they use petrol- which is made from crude oil. The burning of fossil fuels causing the emission of carbon dioxide adding to the greenhouse effect and therefore leading to global warming.

Question 11

How is waste from processing of trees be used in a ecological manner?

Answer 11

• Branches and poor-quality timber can be processed into manufactured boards.
• Smaller branches and bark can be used as fuel at a biomass power station.

Question 12

Why can timber be used in landfill sites?

Answer 12

As timber is biodegradable, it will rot down without harming the soil if sent to landfill.