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We know from middle school biology classes that wood is produced from photosynthesis which uses carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores carbon in wood products, but we often need data to show that wood products are the climate-responsible choice. DHA has just that: a new environmental product declaration documenting the very low global warming potential of engineered wood flooring. Comparisons to similar studies for vinyl flooring show that the global warming potential of vinyl is nearly six times that of engineered wood flooring.

The tragic train derailment in East Palestine, OH, shows another downside of manufacturing and installing fake wood floors made from vinyl and with vinyl chloride, the toxic chemical released and burned after the train derailed. Instead of using fake wood floors, families can trust beautiful, natural wood floors that minimize toxic chemicals and reduce global warming potential.

It has already been one full year since Russia invaded Ukraine. The U.S. is still importing vast quantities of Russian plywood directly from Russia as well as Russian plywood shipped through Vietnam and other countries. It's not often plywood makes national news; perhaps the next time will be when the U.S. shuts down this war-funding mechanism by banning Russian wood as Europe has done.

All of these topics and more will be discussed at DHA’s Annual Meeting, May 24–26, in Clearwater, Florida. I look forward to seeing you there. If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Keith A. Christman, President
Decorative Hardwoods Association

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