Recently, we began carrying the Q Collection Junior, a line of children’s furniture that is all made right here in the United States. Here at Oompa, we’re always excited when we can find toys, gear or furniture that is made in the United States, and even more excited when it is locally sourced (a vague term, but it usually means that the materials come from within 100 miles of the production facility). When we found out that some of their products are even FSC-certified, it sealed the deal.
However, you may be asking yourself, why should I care? What does “FSC-certified” even mean, and how would you know if it met the criteria?
In brief, here’s a short explanation of FSC certifications, and why we’re fans. First:
What is it?
FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an organization established in 1993 in order to answer the demand for an international system of regulating sustainable forestry. Certifications are obtained through accredited third parties who evaluate forest management activities, and track the wood products from the forests where they were obtained to their manufacturing facilities (know and the Chain of Custody).
In general, if a wood product is FSC-certified, it meets the following foresting criteria:
- Avoid clear cutting
- Protect biodiversity
- Adhere to local laws as well as respect rights of indigenous people
- Demonstrate a long term management plan for well-being of workers, economy and environment
Why does FSC certification matter?
Destroying the world’s forests can lead to all sorts of terrible repercussions, local (soil erosion, flooding, species and habitat loss) as well as global (weather, increase in carbon dioxide, health, etc.). Fortunately, forests are a resource that can be renewable, if responsibly managed. Responsible management allows us to continue to harvest these forests as a resource, while maintaining their continued growth and diversity for the well-being of future generations.
By also addressing the human side of resource management, that is, the rights and concerns of the local population, an FSC certification not only makes the project more sustainable, but promotes the ideals of Fair Trade.
While many companies may claim that their products are locally sourced or come from responsibly managed forests (which may very well be true) the FSC is the only widely recognized regulating body to certify their accuracy. Obtaining an FSC certification can be a long an expensive process, but we are very pleased that many of our furniture makers are working towards this.
How do you know if a product is FSC-certified?
On Oompa, we indicate in the description of every product if it has earned an FSC certification. On the products themselves, you will also see the following symbol:
Some other products Oompa carries which are also FSC-certified:
All Ecotots furniture!
Minui Handysitt Portable High Chairs
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