How do Trees Grow?

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How do Trees Grow?

Wood is strong, flexible, and has been used in a variety of building applications for hundreds of years because it is safe and is a renewable resource. There are many external factors that can affect trees and thus the quality of lumber they produce.  These external factors can have significant impacts on the mechanical properties of wood and results in many dramatic changes such as a difference in density, growth rate, tree size and more.  Annual growth rings are the rings found inside the tree and these growth rings often give environmentalists the most clues as to what journey a tree experienced in its lifetime.

How do Trees Grow?

Trees grow in two directions. First, they grow upwards in order to absorb more sunlight. Then they grow outward to expand in diameter as the tree matures.  The upward and outer growth occurs at different times depending on the species of tree and the season.

The outer bark protects the tree from fluctuating temperatures, insects, diseases and is a tree’s first line of defense from its environment. When a tree is healthy then its bark remains intact, allowing the tree to defend itself from insect attacks such as the devastating mountain pine beetle epidemic.

Tree rings that are reflected in a cross-section of a tree are the lines that will reveal most about tree growth.  Each ring resembles one year of growth. They are created because trees grow faster during certain seasons and remain dormant during other seasons like winter.  These rings will differentiate in width depending on the environmental situation the tree experienced.  During heavy rainfall and good environmental conditions, the year rings will be much wider compared to drought seasons where the rings are much thinner.

In some cases, trees can take up to fifty years to reach maturity in order to be harvested for commercial use. As a tree grows it sequesters carbon from the atmosphere and that carbon is stored in the wood throughout its life cycle. The carbon forms long chains that are the backbone to cellulose, which is the primary component of lumber that helps make it a strong and durable material. Many of the products and resources we use every day arrive at our local grocery stores by means of a wood pallet. Wood pallets are a safe, durable, and sustainable way to transport goods and materials needed across the world.

References

A Quick Take on the Growth Cycle of Trees

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A Quick Take on the Growth Cycle of Trees

Trees within forests are like wind and solar power in that they are a renewable resource. Whereas wind and solar energy can be regenerated relatively continuously, trees require more time to convert solar energy to wood so it can be utilized. In this article we’ll take a quick look at a tree’s growth cycle.

Tree seedlings will often wait for ideal environmental conditions to arise before sprouting.  Some species of tree seeds will remain intact for many years, waiting for the perfect environment, while others will only sprout under extreme conditions such as a forest fire. Only when the seeds are exposed to the right conditions will they sprout.

A seedling will appear above the ground and the first two leaves will start to absorb sunlight to provide energy for further growth. Seedlings will then start developing woody characteristics and will continue to grow and seek out the sun. Saplings are usually 1 – 4 inches in diameter and about 4.5 feet in height.  Many nurseries will sell saplings at this point in the tree’s growth cycle because they are capable of being transplanted with a high survival rate.

It is during the early growth phases of a tree’s life that it absorbs the most amount of carbon. During the process of photosynthesis, young trees convert carbon dioxide to breathable oxygen and use the carbon internally for growth. When hundreds of thousands of trees within a forest complete this process simultaneously, they fight global warming by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

About half of any given piece of lumber’s net weight is carbon that was sequestered from the atmosphere and lumber will continue to store that carbon until it naturally disintegrates or is burned for energy. No part of a tree goes to waste! The bark and branches are used for supplies like garden mulch and animal bedding whereas the lower quality of lumber from a tree is used to make wood pallets. According to the research article “Pallet Re-Use and Recycling Saves High Value Material from Landfills,” there are about 4 billion wood pallets in circulation just in the United States. Wood pallets have been used for decades and have established themselves as the safest and most reliable way to transport goods and services while storing carbon sequestered from the atmosphere.

References

Mars Corp Creates a Sustainable Plan

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Mars Corp Creates a Sustainable Plan

Our world’s natural sources are limited and more big businesses seem to be taking the initiative to lower their environmental impact, preserving these limited, valuable resources.  Mars Corp. recently launched their Sustainable in a Generation Plan that is intended to create a healthier planet by doing what’s right instead of what’s better.

Who is the Mars Corporation?

Image supplied by Pixabay distributed under CC-BY 2.0 License

The Mars Corporation was developed by Frank C. Mars more than 100 years ago.  Their first products were in chocolate and the first brand they established was Milky Way.  Over the years, the company has developed and grown tremendously and they have expanded to many other industries, including pet care, chewing gum, and beverages.  The Mars Corporation distributes products worldwide with more than 80,000 associates, they impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

Sustainable in Generation

Mars Corp launched a huge plan of action called Sustainable in Generation.  According to their website, their plan involves creating a better planet by using a planetary boundaries analysis to control the impact their business has on the world.  Some of their goals are:

  • Stop all greenhouse gas emissions by 2040
  • Control all resources for sustainability by 2020
  • Reduce impacts on Water Use
  • Reduce impacts on Land Use

Recycling Wood Pallets Reduces Carbon Emissions

Wood pallets are commonly used in food transportation, food storage and for many more uses.  This is a good thing because using sustainably sourced lumber helps the environment. As trees in sustainably managed forests grow, they absorb carbon from the atmosphere and wood continues to store carbon until it decomposes or burns. In fact, according to our Carbon Calculator that’s based on the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM) for dimensional lumber, recycling just 100 wood pallets saves 2.81 carbon dioxide emissions per month (in metric tons). This is the equivalent of taking 10 cars off the road!

Go for the Win-Win

According to the Mars website, Barry Parkin, the Chief Sustainability and Health & Wellbeing Officer, believes there are four things that sets this approach apart from others:

  1. Do What’s Right Instead of What’s Better
  2. Go for the Win-Win
  3. Uncommon Collaborations
  4. Amplify the Impact

The North American wood pallet industry started recycling pallets in the 1970’s by diverting them from landfills. Current figures estimate there are more than 4 billion wood pallets in circulation, more than any other type of pallet, because wood pallets are strong, durable, and 100% recyclable. In fact, about half of a wood pallet’s weight is carbon, which was sequestered from the atmosphere! The use of wood pallets is a win-win because it helps the environment and ensures products will arrive at their final destination safely.

 

Resources

Illegal Logging Stopped In Its Tracks

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Illegal Logging Stopped In Its Tracks

Illegal logging is a serious issue that has a tremendous impact on the timber industry and our world’s natural wood resources.  It is believed that illegal logging is one of the leading causes for the degradation of the world’s forests.  Luckily IoT based technology might just change the effects of illegal logging and could even save our forests entirely.

Image supplied by Pixabay distributed under CC-BY 2.0 License

The revolutionary IoT-based technology

Scientists from the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST) in Bengaluru have been hard at work addressing this problem. Their revolutionary system functions through the Internet of Things (IoT) technology.  The system involves installing a small device on high-value trees like sandalwood, rosewood and more.  The device is designed to send an alert whenever the tree endures any threats.  These threats can include cutting, chopping or uprooting the tree and the device.

Instant messaging the moment trouble arises

Using instant message technology, officials are notified through a special alert that is sent through the cloud from the IoT devices whenever disturbances are noticed in particular trees.  This is an astronomical advancement for forest lovers and protectors because it means that they will be able to capture culprits in action and could prevent a lot of trees from being cut off.

Trials in India

More than 45 sensors have already been installed at the campus of Malleswaram and these sensors are already supplying forest protectors and scientists with valuable information.  The Malleswarm campus plans on installing many more sensors in the near future and hopefully all forests will enjoy protection from these tech devices in the near future.

Forests are Carbon Sinks

The effects of illegal logging are devastating to our planet. According to the World Carfree Network, deforestation accounts for up to 15% of global carbon emissions. Forests are valuable resources and can be illegally logged for their resources or cleared so the land can be used for agricultural development. When forests thrive, they consume more carbon than they produce and are known as carbon sinks. When forests decay, they are a carbon source.

With the devastating effects of illegal logging the FDD and other forestry services are keeping their fingers crossed for speedily advancement of the IoT-based tech as well as similar anti-logging solutions that will prevent illegal deforestation.  If illegal loggers are faced with immediate consequences for their actions then we could hopefully see a tremendous reduction in illegal logging occurrences.

Nature’s Packaging supports North American wood packaging industries as sustainable as lumber harvested from North American forests is sustainably sourced. Sustainably managed forests are good for the environment as healthy forests sequester carbon from the atmosphere to fight global warming.

References

Could Life on Mars Flourish with Sustainably Managed Forests?

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Could Life on Mars Flourish with Sustainably Managed Forests?

The red planet is one of the last places you would normally associate with sustainability. Yet, this might just change in the near future.

A team of engineers and architects at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently won the Mars City Design competition with their buildings that are designed to not only sustain human life but also forest and plant life.

They are calling their winning urban designs the Redwood Forest.  These artificial forests will involve creating domes that contain large tree habitats that can support up to 50 people with food, water, and oxygen resources.

Image supplied by Pixabay distributed under CC-BY 2.0 License

The Redwood Forest might consist of individual forest domes but live in these domes will hardly be isolated.  According to their proposal, these domes would provide residents with plenty of open areas, public spaces, plants, water, activities and residents would be responsible for maintaining forest sustainability within the domes.  The domes will also be interlinked with underground tunnels that will enable residents to move from one tree habitat to another.  In total, these domes will support a community of thousands of people.

The Redwood Forest domes are also designed to provide residents and forests with all the needed protection from cosmic radiation, micrometeorite impacts, thermal variations and much more.

Valentia Sumini and Assistant Professor Caitlin Mueller lead the team effort and they had the following to say about their genius invention; “On Mars, our city will physically and functionally mimic a forest, using local Martian resources such as ice and water, regolith (or soil), and sun to support life.”

Architect George Lordos, who was responsible for the design of the pods, created his design to harness the energy of the sun to support human and plant life and to harbor water resources as much as possible within plant life.  He also included plans for electric vehicles that are designed to make life and transportation between pods much simpler and more sustainable.

Sustainable Forests

Forests create atmospheres conducive to human life and their growth cycles provide us with raw materials we need to support civilization. If it’s true that life on Mars could best support humans by growing sustainable forests, then why would the same not be true on Earth?  Every part of a tree can be used and recycled. Nature’s Packaging supports the increased use of recyclable wood pallets when sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Resources

Wood Pallet Businesses Recycle Burnt Trees from Forest Fires

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Wood Pallet Businesses Recycle Burnt Trees from Forest Fires

Forest fires are one of the most destructive natural disasters that can possibly hit dense forest areas.  It is hard to contemplate why anyone would ever consider forest fires to be ‘needed’ when so many trees, animals, plants and resources get destroyed during these fires. However, some of the resources, especially burnt trees, can often be harvested after a forest fire and reused on wood pallets.

Image supplied by Pixabay distributed under CC-BY 2.0 License

Forest fires cleanse the environment

Fires are important for regeneration and renewal of forests across the globe.  These fires clean out flammable litter like leaves, logs and more on the forest floors.  By cleaning out all this litter the forest stays healthy since many pests and diseases are destroyed in the process.  The cleaning of forest floors also prevents extensive and extreme fires from occurring because fires are much easier to keep under control or extinguish when there is less litter around. The fires also reduce density and open the canopy which allows the sunlight to reach other plants and boosts new and fresh growth.

Recycling Burnt Trees into Pallets

In some cases, tree loggers can harvest burnt trees after a forest fire so the logs can be salvaged. In many instances, once a log is processed into lumber it’s impossible to tell that the log came from a firery forest. These products pass grade inspections and are used home building in furniture construction. In other cases, the log will portray visible defects in which case an ideal application for these discolored products is wood pallets and crates. The discoloration often found from these logs is usually not a problem for wood pallet recyclers. In fact, for many buyers, it’s often a good deal because the main defect is discoloration you can often get a better overall quality product!

Boosts growth spurts

Even when forest fires burn through the forest floor, trees are still valuable, renewable resources. Burnt sites will regenerate and regrow plant life much quicker than normal plant growth.  This is because the fire itself provides plant life with valuable nutrients and minerals.  The forest also catches up to coniferous forests quickly because young trees and plants have much more room to prosper and grow thanks to reduced density and a boost in sunlight on the forest floor.

References

USDA Grant Awards for Forest Sustainability

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USDA Grant Awards for Forest Sustainability

All forests are important.  Without forests our world would quickly plunge into chaos due to a lack of natural resources to support civilization.  It is important to take good care of our forests but this is no simple task.  Government sectors are making huge advancements in protective programs in conservations and nature reserves. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recently announced that they have agreed to three grants to enhance sustainable management practices for American forest landowners and ranch owners. All North American forests are sustainably managed and these government grants will provide additional assistance.

Image supplied by Pixabay distributed under CC-BY 2.0 License

Director Sonny Ramaswamy of the NIFA said that “These awards further our commitment to enhance the sustainability of the nation’s privately-owned forest and rangeland resources”.  He also added that “Through these innovative projects delivered by Extension educators and specialists, landowners and managers will be able to make better informed, science-based decisions about their lands in order to achieve their conservation and economic goals.”

The three grants included a total amount of $300,000 and were awarded to and for the following purposes.

$75,000 to the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock
This grant will be used to create an Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Project.  The project is goal towards using researched-based decision support tools in order help forestry sectors manage, plan and protect large landscape forests across the Western Gulf region in the U.S.

$110,000 to the Michigan State University in East Landing
A team of forestry experts at the Michigan State University will create adult online learning materials on various forest sciences including carbon science management in order to inform and improve the knowledge of landowners and range owners.  This will enable these landowners to predict the carbon outcome of economical advancements so they can minimize the effects.

$115,000 to the University of Minnesota in St. Paul
This University will launch a project that focuses on the impact of invasive species on the ecosystem and local forests. With the results of this research projects, landowners and resource professionals will be able to make sustainable eco decisions with regards to these invasive species.

Nature’s Packaging supports sustainably managed forests as the means to support the North American wood packaging industry.  The USDA also launched previous projects like Ask for Wood where more people were taught about their role in forests and people were taught to create a better environment through wood recycling projects and the benefits of using renewable resources were also taught to family forest owners. Stronger efforts toward public education and government sponsored assistance could improve overall forest health and sustainability.

 

Resources

 

Microbial Benefits of Wood Pallets

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Microbial Benefits of Wood Pallets

Food microbiologists are constantly studying microorganisms that often inhabit or contaminate food. The main purpose of their research and studies is to prevent food spoilage that result from contamination and to prevent the spread human illnesses.  Food microbiologists are constantly developing new methods and giving precautions to prevent food spoilage or food contamination. One of the latest findings was quite remarkable since it was determined that wood pallets could play an important role in preventing food contamination or bacteria and microorganism inhabitation.

Wood Absorbs Bacteria

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Plastic is mostly considered safer because the surface of plastic appears smooth and can be wiped clean and disinfected. Wood, however, is much different.  Wood cannot be disinfected the way plastic can but food microbiologists discovered that wood pallets does in fact enhance food safety.  The reason for this is because wood absorbs bacteria, germs and microorganisms and prevents these harmful elements from spreading from one source to another.

Professor Dean Cliver of the University of California, Davis has studied the differences in how plastics and wood absorb bacteria in kitchen cutting boards.  In one study, Professor Cliver notes that once the cellulose in wood absorbs bacteria, it will not release it. Alternatively, plastic absorbs bacteria differently. When small cracks are made into the plastic’s surface, they radiate, which creates space for bacteria to travel. The bacteria can go dormant and although drying will kill the majority of the bacteria, the rest could linger for weeks.

“In one test, raw chicken juice was spread on samples of used wood and plastic cutting boards. Both boards were washed in hot soapy water and dried, then knives were used to simulate cutting vegetables for a salad. No bacteria appears on the knives cut on wood, but there were plenty on the knives used on the plastic boards.”

Wood Pallet Safety

According to the article “The Role of Pallets in Microbial Food Safety,” pallets of all types are never intended to be in direct contact with food. Additionally, similar to Professor Cliver’s findings regarding plastic cutting boards, scars on used plastic tend to harbor bacteria and bacteria seem to be less likely to transfer from wood than from plastic.

Whether using wood as a kitchen cutting board or as a wood pallet, the properties of wood are the same: they absorb bacteria and once absorbed, they do not release it. In addition to being sustainably sourced and 100% recyclable, the cellular properties of wood allow them to absorb bacteria that could spread human illnesses. Wood pallets are indeed the safest type of pallet.

 Resources

Canada’s Forest Sector Leads the Way for Bioeconomy

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Canada’s Forest Sector Leads the Way for Bioeconomy

In our modern and very digital world, pressure is put on limited natural resources like petroleum, charcoal, gas because of the huge demand for plastic and energy products.  Just about everything seems to be going plastic which results in depleting Earth’s natural resources.  It is quite refreshing to see Canada’s forest sector leading the way for bioeconomy.  This is because the forest products portfolio has changed a lot over the last few years.  Advanced technology is making it possible for the production sector to produce more low- or no-waste products from wood sources and these products are viable replacements for plastics.

Image supplied by Pixabay distributed under CC-BY 2.0 License

How Forest Waste Fuels a Bioeconomy

The forestry sector generates many byproducts throughout the process of harvesting timber.  These bioproducts add value to waste products that can be converted into food additives, textiles, wood pallets, construction materials, and even fuel for airplanes and cars. These high value products are created by combining advanced technologies with sawdust, wood chips, and even tree leaves and branches. By depending on these renewable resources found in forests, we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

The sustainability of Canada’s forests is essential

Canada’s forests are essential for the well-being of Canada’s environment, communities, people and for the economy.  Forest management practices are strictly monitored and audited to ensure sustainability and long-term growth.  It is incredibly important for forestry sectors to monitor the sustainability of these forests.  With proper sustainability management, these forests will be cared for and maintained as much as possible and a healthy ecosystem will be generated over time.

Wood Pallets are a Bioproduct

One of the primary purposes for timber harvesting is home construction. However, the quality of lumber used to manufacture wood pallets in North America doesn’t quite make the grade. On average, between 10-15% of a log is used to make wood pallets, as the primary application of high grade lumber is home construction, furniture, and flooring. The lumber used to make new wood pallets is a byproduct and thus supports a renewable and recyclable bioeconomy.

Wood Pallets are USDA Biopreferred

In the United States, the Department of Agriculture recently added wood pallets to their long list of biobased products. According to its website, Biobased products are derived from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials. Biobased products provide an alternative to conventional petroleum derived products and include a diverse range of offerings such as construction, janitorial, and grounds-keeping products specified and purchased by Federal agencies, to personal care and packaging products used by consumers every day.

Lumber is strong and wood pallets are recyclable. By choosing wood pallets you are choosing a renewable resource that supports healthy and sustainable carbon-sequestering forests.

References

 

6 Best Canadian Parks To Visit In The Fall

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6 Best Canadian Parks To Visit In The Fall

Fall is one of the best times to go exploring. The French author Albert Camus is credited for saying, “Autumn is the second spring when every leaf turns into a flower.” According to the National Wildlife Federation’s website, the color of a tree’s autumnal leaf is determined by its pigment. For instance, anthocyanins, commonly found in tree species like oaks, dogwoods, and certain maples, tend to turn leaves red or brown in color.

Image provided by Flickr; Distributed under CC-BY 2.0 License

For those looking to experience the second spring in Canada, here are six parks to consider exploring.

  1. Fundy National Park – New Brunswick
    If you love the sea and dense forests then you will absolutely adore the Fundy National Park.  The park includes about 8 miles of shoreline near St. John at the Atlantic coast.  The park then extends inwards to include the Acadian forest.  This is one of Canada’s most popular parks.  There are plenty of activities you can enjoy such as beach walks, forest trails, forest and waterfall exploring and much more.
  2. Jasper National Park – Alberta
    Jasper National Park is one of the most scenic places in the world thanks rugged mountains and turquoise waters that form a huge contrast with yellow and red leafy scenes of Fall.  One of the biggest reasons to consider this park during the fall is because of the Dark Sky Festival in October.  During this festival astronomers and star admirers flock together from all around to enjoy parties, concerts and to enjoy the bright and beautiful starry skies.
  3. Torngat Mountains National Park – Newfoundland and Labarador
    The Torngat Mountains are absolutely breathtaking. One of the biggest reasons to visit this park is so you can get a taste of something completely different.  In Torngat Mountains National Park all staff members are Inuit which presents you with the unique opportunity to study a completely different culture.  You can also enjoy fishing and might even spot a polar bear while you camp on the shores of Mountain Lake.
  4. Thousand Islands National Park – Ontario
    This might be one of Canada’s smallest national parks but it is one of the best to visit if you love kayaking.  The park consists of more than 20 granite islands and hundreds of inlets as well as mainland bases.  These islands and inlets are rich in wildlife and consist of many hiking trails as well as kayak or powerboat excursions as well as an aquarium, camping site, playground, exhibits and more.
  5. Banff National Park – Alberta
    This was Canada’s first national park and is considered one of the most stunning. Banff National Park consists of diverse landscapes and is rich in animal life.  When you choose to visit this park during fall you can explore mountain scenery, river rafting, nature walks and you can gawk at beautiful wildlife.
  6. Pacific Rim National Park – British Columbia
    If you are an adventure seeker that loves to explore and go for long walks then the Pacific Rim National Park is a great choice.  The park includes a 47 mile West Coast Trail that is considered the best hiking trail in the continent.  The lush rainforest has ancient trees that are up to 600 years old the vast vegetation’s sure is something to behold. You can enjoy activities like beach walks, whale watching and kayaking.

Canada has more than 40 national parks and each of these parks is bound to awe you during this fall.  The above mentioned six are however without a doubt some of the most glorious national parks in the world and will definitely be worth your time this fall.

According to its website, as a steward of Canada’s national parks, Parks Canada has a legal obligation to maintain or improve ecological integrity while providing benefit and enjoyment for present and future generations of Canadians. Nature’s Packaging is committed to sustainably managed forests for harvesting and for recreational enjoyment.

References

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