Wood consumption in industrialized nations is much higher than the world average. Daily U.S. consumption is 3.5 times the world average, which means the average American uses daily about 1.75 gallons by volume or seven pounds by weight. Global demand for wood fiber is increasing, a direct result of the fact that the word's population is rapidly increasing. All nations of the world need to make a major commitment to sustainable development and to environmentally sustainable practices. Many experts have faith that our past and present progress, and the expectation of even greater progress in the future, will prevent problems relating to an increase in the demand for wood.
Conservation can help protect our wood supply.
Technology can help make our supply extend further. But preservation could force increased use of nonrenewable wood substitutes that pose a far greater risk to the environment than managed wood utilization. Wood is beautiful, strong, natural, renewable, recyclable, energy efficient and easy to use. No other resource on earth can match its environmental advantages. Clearly, the world should be using more wood, not less.