Wood

Wood makes up around 5% of average household waste and comes mainly from old furniture, fencing and DIY offcuts.  Very little comes from wooden packaging.    When purchasing wood, ensure that it has been sustainably produced – look for the FSC mark, which guarantees that the wood (or paper product) in question has been harvested from forests that have been managed responsibly.  The mark is endorsed by Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, The Woodland Trust, WWF and other environmental organisations.

Reduce

Cosider the durability of the product (as more durable items will last longer, leading to less waste in the long run) and the distance that the product has travelled (with locally produced wood being environmentally preferable). Buying used furniture gives it a second life.

Reuse

Look for a local architectural salvage group.  These can supply floorboards, window and door frames, doors and even staircases.  Check with www.salvo.co.uk for centres in Wiltshire.  Wiltshire Wood Recycling, near Chippenham, will collect unwanted wood (for a charge) and they also sell wood, sawdust, firewood and kindling, as well as compost bins, planters and garden furniture, made from recycled wood.    If you have unwanted wooden furniture that is still in good condition contact KFR in Devizes.  If you have spare wooden pallets, these can be used to build compost bays. A wooden crate could be turned on its side and become a bedside table. Sell wood on ebay or give away via freecycle.

Recycle

Marlborough Household Recycling Centre accepts unwanted timber.  Wood that is not in good enough condition to be reused as reclaimed timber is recycled into mulch, composting agent, pet bedding, equestrian surfacing, chipboard and Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF).