FSC Stories from around the world
Diverting Waste, Creating Wages
In Croydon a municipality of London, a problem of urban wood waste has been transformed into a solution of jobs, profits, and alternative energy, thanks to a program operated by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified BioRegional Charcoal Company, Ltd.
Unique among municipalities in the United Kingdom, Croydon has achieved FSC certification for the management of all of its forested land, including street trees and trees in parks. Croydon´s management plan for this "urban forest" involves the clearing of considerable undergrowth, and the removal of non- native species.
Seeing a forest of opportunity amid the limbs, BioRegional Charcoal Company worked closely with the Croydon Council to develop a program that would divert the wood from the waste stream while creating revenue and jobs. Its solution was to convert the wood waste into FSC-certified fuel products- firewood, charcoal, and wood chips- that could be sold to municipal purchasers requiring the FSC label.
"Together with the Croydon Council, we are leading the way to a better use of a valuable and sustainable resource, which is readily accessible and helps to reduce pressure on tropical forests" said Pooran Desai, director of BioRegional "We would like to see the rest of London following the leadership of Croydon".
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