"recycled" and "reclaimed" are the new buzzwords in eco-friendly wooden gifts. not only does reusing wood keep perfectly good materials out of landfills, it preserves endangered old-growth forests.

but certifications for responsibly gathered, recycled, and reclaimed wood are scarce, especially among decorative wood products. currently, most certified companies, monitored by the rainforest alliance's rediscovered wood program, supply large construction and furniture businesses. small businesses and artisans who can't afford certification usually find wood themselves from nearby forest floors and scrap piles.

"recycled" and "reclaimed" are the new buzzwords in eco-friendly wooden gifts. not only does reusing wood keep perfectly good materials out of landfills, it preserves endangered old-growth forests.

but certifications for responsibly gathered, recycled, and reclaimed wood are scarce, especially among decorative wood products. currently, most certified companies, monitored by the rainforest alliance's rediscovered wood program, supply large construction and furniture businesses. small businesses and artisans who can't afford certification usually find wood themselves from nearby forest floors and scrap piles.