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It’s no secret that the majority of consumers want sustainable products and eco-friendly packaging. According to this Forbes report, consumers say the desire to help the environment is the primary reason for buying sustainable products.
However, it’s important to note there’s more to sustainability than just helping the current state of our environment. Sustainability means meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainability has three principal parts: the economy, society and the environment.
More and more shoppers are looking at the origins behind the products they’re buying, including wood and paper-based products. If you’re used to hearing the term “sustainable” but not exactly sure what it means, you’re not alone. It’s a common question. Maybe you get the gist of it, but what’s the difference between “sustainable” and “unsustainable”? Although going green and buying sustainable products has become a widely popular practice, not everyone is fully aware of exactly what sustainably sourced products - particularly sustainably sourced wood, in this instance - are. Since wood comes from trees, one could assume all wood is sustainable. However, this is far from the truth. We’re going to explain what sustainable wood is, illegal logging and the most sustainable woods available.
What is the Process for Sustainably Sourcing Wood?
Sustainable lumbering is the practice of harvesting trees responsibly. The process involves planting seedlings faster than trees are cut down. Cutting trees for timber upsets the natural order of that particular ecosystem, so replanting is a must when preparing for the future of the forest.
What is Sustainable Wood?
Sustainable wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Forest stewards manage the landscape to prevent damage to wildlife, watersheds and other forest ecosystems. Instead of only thinking of the short-term uses of the resource, the sustainable approach focuses on ensuring the forest is still healthy for future generations of species. Preserving the forests allows for greater carbon sequestration as well as healthy organic ecosystems.
Wood from an unsustainable source is chopped from trees without considering the fact that the area may never recover. Some wood-harvesting companies disturb the delicate balance of the forest without thinking about how they can help the forest regenerate, and move to a new forest when the resources are depleted.
Why Bother Buying Sustainable Wood?
Unsustainable wood has a significant effect on the areas where it’s harvested. Along with unsustainable sourcing comes the violation of human rights, hunting endangered species and threatening the lifestyle of indigenous tribes. For example, Malaysian wood production is moving at a faster rate than the replanting is going, which is causing irreversible damage.
In this case, wood is illegally smuggled into the country from Indonesia to keep up with the demand. This practice is known as illegal logging. This is also occurring in countries like Peru and The Dominican Republic of the Congo.
In a study conducted by the American Forest & Paper Association, it’s estimated that illegal logging depresses world timber prices between 7-16%, which costs the United States an estimated $40 million a year. In this case, governments lose revenue from taxes and duties in addition to the costs of attempting to manage illegal logging.
Sustainable Certifications
Organizations around the world have made dedicated efforts to create a system for maintaining and monitoring sustainable wood. One of the most prominent organizations is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This non-profit organization helps promote responsible forest management through an internationally recognized certification system.
This system is a way to ensure the use of sustainable wood. When purchasing wood yourself, checking for the FSC logo helps provide peace of mind and the assurance that it has been sustainably sourced.
Which Wood is the Most Sustainable?
When it comes to trees, timber is a replaceable, fast-growing resource and tends to be more sustainable that slow-growing trees, such as hemlock or white cedar. Some of the most sustainable woods include the following.
Bamboo - Technically speaking, bamboo is a grass, however it’s a naturally occurring sustainable resource that is often used like the wood from a tree. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, which means bamboo forests can regenerate quickly when properly harvested. With about 1,500 species of bamboo in existence today, it can replace traditional wood in many cases.
White Ash - White Ash is a North American species that is commonly used to make furniture. It’s strong, hard and heavy, making it an ideal option for things like tables and chairs.
Oak - Although this is a slow-growing tree, it’s commonly FSC certified. This light-colored, durable wood is often used for cabinets.
Mahogany - Mahogany generally comes from Africa, Asia and South America and is another fast growing, regenerative tree.
Maple - This wood is commonly found in North America. Popular varieties include sugar maple, hard maple and sycamore maple.
Pinewood - This is a popular option because it is widely available and most often ethically sourced.
All of our wood is sustainably sourced from forests that are ethically grown and maintained. If you have any questions about where our wood comes from or how it’s harvested and treated, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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This is a great article. I didn’t really understand what sustainable wood was until I read this article. Thanks for sharing.
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FAQs
What are the shipping options for my memorial?
Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.
How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?
Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.
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If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.
What do I do if I received a defective order?
If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.
Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?
Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.
How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?
If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.
How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?
Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.
How do I choose the right urn size?
Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.
Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?
Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.
Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?
Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.
How do I transfer ashes into my urn?
Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.
How do I order an engraved urn?
To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.
Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?
Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.
Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?
Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.
What materials are Oaktree urns made from?
Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.
Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?
Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.
Can I pre-order an urn for future use?
Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.
Do you offer pet urns?
Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.
How do I clean and maintain my urn?
Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.
Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?
Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.
How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?
We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.