Machines, materials & finishing · National 5
Sustainability & recycling
7 cards · 4 quiz · 0 exam
Practical Woodworking · National 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about sustainability & recycling, specifically to:
understand
- the benefits of sustainably sourced timber
- ways to make a product more environmentally friendly
be able to
- follow workshop recycling practices
Success criteria WILF
- I can explain the benefits of sustainably sourced timber
- I can describe ways to make a product more environmentally friendly
- I can follow workshop recycling practices
Sustainable timber
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC labels show wood comes from responsibly managed forests, where trees are replanted.
- Softwoods grow faster than hardwoods, so they're replaced sooner.
- Buying local timber cuts transport emissions.
- Benefits of sustainably sourced wood: forests are replanted, wildlife habitats are protected, there's a long-term supply, and trees keep absorbing CO₂.
Making a product more environmentally friendly
- Use FSC-certified or reclaimed wood.
- Use manufactured boards made from waste wood.
- Plan the cutting list to reduce waste.
- Use water-based finishes and glues, which give off fewer harmful fumes.
- Design it to last, to be repaired, or to be taken apart for recycling (e.g. KD fittings).
- Use offcuts for smaller parts, and recycle or reuse what's left.
Workshop recycling
- Keep useful offcuts in an offcut bin for small jobs.
- Sawdust and shavings can be used for animal bedding, compost or biomass fuel.
- Separate metal, plastic and wood waste.
- Dispose of finishes and solvents safely, never down the sink.
Chipboard vs pine (environmental)
Chipboard uses waste wood (an advantage), but contains resins and glues that make it harder to recycle and can give off fumes (a disadvantage). Pine is a natural, renewable, biodegradable material, but whole trees are used.
Key terms
| FSC | Forest Stewardship Council: wood from responsibly managed forests |
|---|---|
| Benefit of sustainable timber | Trees are replanted and habitats protected |
| Reducing waste | Plan the cutting list and use offcuts |
| Eco-friendly finish | Water-based finishes give off fewer fumes |
| Chipboard environmental advantage | Made from waste wood |
| Chipboard environmental disadvantage | Contains resins, harder to recycle |
| Uses for sawdust | Animal bedding, compost, biomass fuel |
Quick check
1. What does the FSC logo show?
- The wood is waterproof and needs no finish
- The wood is a hardwood, not a softwood
- The wood is the cheapest available
- The wood comes from responsibly managed forests
Show answer
D: The wood comes from responsibly managed forests. FSC forests are replanted and managed.
2. Which would make a product more environmentally friendly?
- Planning the cutting list to reduce waste
- Using a solvent-based varnish finish
- Using an imported tropical hardwood
- Using extra glue in every joint
Show answer
A: Planning the cutting list to reduce waste. Less waste means fewer trees used.
3. What is an environmental advantage of chipboard?
- It's waterproof
- It's made from waste wood
- It has attractive grain
- It contains no glue
Show answer
B: It's made from waste wood. Chipboard uses chips that would otherwise be wasted.
4. How should you dispose of leftover solvent finish?
- Down the sink with plenty of water
- In the general waste bin
- Safely, following workshop procedures
- Poured onto the ground outside
Show answer
C: Safely, following workshop procedures. Solvents harm water and wildlife.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.