Environmental
Going Local – Why Choose Eastern White Cedar?
With so much information out there today about plastic, composite or pressure treated lumber, it’s easy for customers to be unsure which product to choose. As a sawyer who is also environmentally conscious, I am always happy to explain to customers the extensive benefits to be had from choosing eastern white cedar over any other comparable product.
To begin with, the manufacturing process for treated lumber can only be achieved through the use of chemicals and toxins. For composite or plastic lumber, the manufacturing process involves the consumption of manmade materials, not to mention non-renewable energy sources. Conversely, the natural beauty of white cedar cannot be matched, and it requires little to no treatment to maintain its beauty for many years into the future.
From an environmental perspective, natural wood is a biodegradable product, one which would never end up in landfills like many of its competitors. In terms of longevity, eastern white cedar naturally contains oils that resist rot, and can be used in any location, especially in environmentally sensitive areas. It is also safe for animals and children to play on and around, which can be a big concern for decks where children often play for extended periods of time, often with wet feet.
Aesthetically, cedar is a natural complement to the environment, it blends in well with other natural materials and with natural surroundings. It is also plentiful in Ontario, and replenishes itself quite rapidly after harvesting, making it even more environmentally attractive.
Unlike red cedar, which is sourced from the other side of Canada, eastern white cedar can be sourced literally right in your own backyard. It is an excellent example of a locally sourced and produced product. At McGovern’s Cedar, you can purchase lumber to build your deck only a few miles from where the trees were harvested, and where the lumber was milled. That is locally sourced at its best.
Cedar lumber is quite literally the perfect environmentally conscious product. There is little to no waste product from the production process to turn logs into lumber. The slabwood is used as firewood and bedding mulch for a variety of purposes, while the shavings or sawdust also have many uses such as animal bedding or insulation.