7 SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO WOOD THAT HELP PROTECT OUR NATIVE FORESTS

Australia’s native forests are irreplaceable. They store carbon, shelter endangered wildlife and shield us from climate extremes. Yet, every two minutes, a forest area the size of a football field is cut down. An average of 50% of the wood harvested from NSW native forests ends up as low-value woodchips, which is then exported to produce disposable products like toilet paper and box liners – a devastating trade-off for ecosystems that took centuries to grow.

It’s time to rethink how we build, furnish and consume, and embrace materials that don’t cost us our native forests.

Why It Matters

Native forest logging is not just environmentally destructive – it’s economically inefficient and widely opposed. Seven in ten Australians support ending native forest logging on public land. By choosing sustainable alternatives, we can protect critical habitats, reduce emissions and support a thriving green economy.

Here are 7 sustainable alternatives to wood that support a future where forests are protected, restored and thriving.

1. Bamboo

Fast-growing and incredibly versatile, bamboo is a renewable resource that can replace wood in flooring, furniture and even construction. Unlike native trees, bamboo regenerates quickly and doesn’t require replanting after harvest. Some bamboo varieties are non-invasive and don’t spread, minimising the risk of uncontrolled growth. Fact: Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen than equivalent trees. (Source: Bamboo.org.au)

2. Hemp

Hemp is a powerhouse crop that can be used for everything from paper to building materials. Hempcrete – a mix of hemp hurds (the chopped, woody inner core of the hemp stalk after the outer fibers have been removed) and lime – is a strong, insulating alternative to timber-based construction. Cultivation of hemp has benefits for the land too, as it improves soil health. Fact: Hemp grows in just 3-4 months and requires minimal water and pesticides. (Source: Hemp Masonry)

3. Recycled Timber

Reclaimed wood from old buildings, furniture or pallets gives timber a second life without cutting down more trees. It’s durable, full of character and reduces landfill waste. Fact: Recycling timber helps reduce demand for native forest logging and preserves mature trees. (Source: WasteWood)

4. Engineered Strawboard

Made from agricultural waste like wheat or rice straw, strawboard is a strong, biodegradable alternative to particleboard and plywood. It’s ideal for cabinetry, furniture and interior walls. Fact: Turning crop waste into building materials reduces emissions and supports circular economies. (Source: The Fuller Academy)

5. Cork

Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without cutting them down, cork is renewable and naturally insulating. It’s perfect for flooring, wall panels and even furniture. Fact: Cork trees can live for over 200 years, with bark harvested every 9-12 years. (Source: Corkeen)

6. Mycelium (Mushroom-Based Materials)

Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be grown into lightweight, biodegradable materials for packaging, insulation, furniture and even building materials. It’s compostable and often has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to timber or recycled plastic materials. Fact: Mycelium products are grown, not manufactured – reducing energy use and pollution. (Source: Certified Energy)

7. Regenerative Plantation Timber

Regenerative forestry plantations are designed to bridge commercial forestry while looking after the ecosystem. These plantations are managed in a way that helps the land recover, with trees selectively harvested for wood. Over time, they can start to look and act like real forests, supporting wildlife and plants, storing carbon and helping to filter water and air.

Fact: Over 90% of structural timber used in Australian homes already comes from plantations. Expanding this sector is key to a sustainable future. (Source: Forest Futures)

We all need trees – to breathe, to belong, to survive. Let’s choose materials that let forests live. Help us support a fair and just transition to a sustainable timber industry.