As the demand for quality exotic and burl wood continues to grow, finding ways to source these woods sustainably can be challenging. However, there are now options meant to do just that. One of these is reclaiming urban woods. Let's learn what that means and how it can give you access to quality wood while leaving forests intact.

What is Urban Wood Reclamation?

Urban wood reclamation is when wood materials are generated from logs or trees residing in urban areas, as well as wood elements generated from construction or demolition. Historically, these woods have been disposed of as part of the waste stream, adding to overflowing landfills.

However, as companies and individuals work to put more environmental processes into place, industries are emerging to salvage these materials and increase their use for higher-value products. Wood products, such as burl wood found on logs in urban areas, can be used by woodworkers to create amazing products. Thus, this salvaged wood can be given a second life.

Reclaiming urban wood has many different benefits, including burl wood types. These benefits include landfill diversion, local production, economic growth, and increased opportunities to manage raw material production. The economic benefits can also contribute to a circular economy.

Building a Circular Economy with Urban Wood Reclamation

Think about the current linear economic model. Resources are taken from the environment, used to make products, and then used and discarded as waste.

However, designing a circular economy means that instead of using natural resources as raw materials and generating waste, you turn the waste back into raw materials. Materials that would otherwise be part of the waste stream are reclaimed, which can reduce production costs. How does that happen?

Harvesting raw materials, such as exotic woods and burl wood, is time-consuming and expensive. Reclaiming wood from urban settings means that less time and costs are needed to turn that wood into raw materials that can be used again.

The result is that native woods can be left intact while still satisfying the demand for wood to be used in multiple different applications. Jobs are also created to reclaim this urban wood while ecosystems are protected. Camp Small is an example of this type of wood reclaiming in Baltimore's urban setting. This camp has a public sorting yard and processing facility, which aims to have zero waste. Instead of wood rotting, it is sorted and reused.

Other such programs are popping up all over the United States, but these programs can also be expanded into other countries around the globe. Clearly, urban wood reclaiming offers options to woodworkers looking for sustainable options to find their raw materials.

With Global Wood Source, you can enjoy a wide range of burl wood and other options that are sourced sustainably with care for the local environment. However, depending on your woodworking project, you might be looking for wood with a specific grain or exotic coloring. To learn more about our options, contact us today.

Global Wood Source is a family-owned and operated lumber yard and mill specializing in exotic woods from around the world and rare domestics. We personally acquire and inspect each piece of log and timber obtained from forests and jungles worldwide.