MDF - Saviour of rainforests?
Is medium density fibreboard (MDF) the true saviour of rain-forests?
Now that furniture manufacturers have a cheap, viable alternative to real wood, is there any need to use real timber to produce furniture? We all know the health implications of using MDF, but these health issues only arise when those manipulating the MDF are not taking correct precautions.
The fact is humans thirst for furniture can largely be answered by this man-made material. Yes it has its drawbacks, but so does anything and using materials taken from rain-forests surely has greater implications for us.
Unfortunately, you are always going to have those who want real timber and as a result there is always going to be a tree being cut down somewhere to satisfy the hunger of man’s greed.
A bookcase made from MDF
If governments were really serious about the planet surely they would give incentives to businesses that were using MDF to manufacture furniture and discourage furniture manufacturers who are still using 100% wood to create furniture.
Whilst this would be unfair on legitimate furniture makers, it can be said there is good reason which requires no explanation.
MDF may not be the ultimate answer to not strip the planet of natural resource, but it sure does offer a viable alternative to real wood furniture and especially painted furniture where there is no difference to the end user of whether the raw material is wood or not.
Written by EcoGirl on June 2nd, 2008 with
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#1. June 18th, 2008, at 9:44 AM.
Actually there are health implications for all of us from MDF - not just those sawing it etc.. MDF gives off fomaldehyde for a considerable length of time post production - and can be damaging to health, particular young children - I believe it is also suggested that it could be a factor in the development of asthma