5 Earth Day Pledges We Love
How Forests, Wood Products, and Sustainability Pacts are Shaping the Future of Eco-Conscious Brands
As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, terms like carbon neutral, net-zero emissions, and sustainability goals are becoming part of everyday conversations in both consumer and corporate spaces. But what do these terms actually mean?
- Carbon Neutral refers to the balance between the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset, resulting in a net-zero carbon footprint.
- Net-Zero Emissions means that a company or product reduces its emissions to the point where the remaining carbon is offset or neutralized, often through projects such as reforestation or carbon capture.
- Sustainability involves practices that maintain the health and balance of natural systems, ensuring that resources are available for future generations.
While these concepts can sometimes feel abstract, the connection to our forests and wood products is both clear and impactful. Forests are natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in biomass and soil. Sustainable forest management helps maintain this role, while wood products, when sourced responsibly, store carbon for the duration of their life cycle. By integrating forest-based materials and products into manufacturing processes, companies are not just reducing their carbon footprint—they're contributing to a larger, sustainable ecosystem.
When checking out brands that are making sustainability promises, ask yourself:
- Are they choosing responsibly sourced materials and making eco-friendly products?
- Are they open about how they’re actually measuring and sticking to their sustainability goals?
- How do their actions help forests, reduce carbon emissions, or support a circular economy?
These are the kinds of questions that help you make informed, sustainable choices. It’s about supporting brands that care as much about our planet as you do. Choosing companies that take sustainability seriously is a #forestproud choice—and that’s something to feel good about!
Here are five companies that are leading the way, showing how forest-based products and sustainable practices are key to hitting their environmental goals:
Timberland: Sustainable Materials and Carbon Neutral Goals
Timberland has made a bold commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. A key part of their strategy involves using sustainable materials like responsibly sourced wood, recycled rubber, and renewable energy in production. One of their standout initiatives is the GreenStride™ soles, made from a 75% renewable material blend that includes natural rubber and sugarcane. In addition, Timberland is focusing on forest restoration efforts, further strengthening the role of forests in carbon sequestration. Their commitment to sustainable footwear reflects how the wood products industry can help meet carbon goals, proving that even fashion can be part of the solution.
Read Apple’s Pledge: Apple Sustainability
General Electric (GE): Wind Power and Aviation Efficiency
General Electric (GE) has long been at the forefront of renewable energy, and they are now taking steps to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. GE’s Haliade-X Offshore Wind Turbine is an example of how forest-based and sustainable products contribute to carbon reduction by using recycled materials and lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, GE’s LEAP jet engines are improving fuel efficiency, cutting emissions, and moving toward sustainable aviation. By investing in innovative technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of energy and transportation, GE is showing how large industrial players can lead by example.
Read Timberland’s Pledge: Timberland Sustainability
Apple: Circularity and Carbon Neutral Products
Apple has committed to becoming carbon neutral across its entire product line by 2030. Their approach includes using 100% recycled aluminum in products like the iPhone and recycling rare earth elements in the new iPhone models. Apple’s environmental goals extend to its packaging, with many products now using 100% recycled and recyclable materials. The company is also looking at how wood-based materials can replace plastics in packaging. Apple’s commitment to using renewable energy in its manufacturing and its continued focus on the sustainable sourcing of wood further exemplifies the potential for wood products to be integral in a carbon-neutral future.
Read Apple’s Pledge: Apple Sustainability
General Electric (GE): Wind Power and Aviation Efficiency
General Electric (GE) has long been at the forefront of renewable energy, and they are now taking steps to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. GE’s Haliade-X Offshore Wind Turbine is an example of how forest-based and sustainable products contribute to carbon reduction by using recycled materials and lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, GE’s LEAP jet engines are improving fuel efficiency, cutting emissions, and moving toward sustainable aviation. By investing in innovative technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of energy and transportation, GE is showing how large industrial players can lead by example.
Read GE’s Pledge: GE Sustainability
IKEA: Circular Design and Responsible Sourcing
IKEA has set a bold goal to become climate-positive by 2030, a pledge that includes shifting to 100% renewable or recycled materials across their product line. The company is already using recycled wood in many of its furniture pieces, ensuring that products are not only responsibly sourced but that they remain valuable at the end of their life cycle. One of IKEA’s standout products, the KUNGSBACKA kitchen fronts, uses recycled PET plastic and recycled wood, directly contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy. IKEA’s investment in forest restoration and responsible wood sourcing is a key part of their sustainability strategy.
Read IKEA’s Pledge: IKEA Sustainability
Mercedes-Benz: Carbon Neutral Vehicles and Circular Manufacturing
Mercedes-Benz has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2039, and they are integrating sustainable materials like recycled plastics and wood-based bioplastics into their production processes. Their commitment to electric vehicles like the EQ Series plays a significant role in reducing emissions in the automotive sector. Mercedes-Benz also partners with suppliers who are committed to sustainable forest management, which aligns with their broader goals of reducing reliance on fossil materials and supporting reforestation efforts. The integration of wood-based materials in car interiors further connects their work to the wood products industry, proving how sustainability in materials can support ambitious carbon goals.
Read Mercedes-Benz’s Pledge: Mercedes-Benz Sustainability
Forest products + Corporate sustainability = #forestproud
As more companies realize the power of forest-based solutions, they’re tapping into the benefits of sustainably sourced wood, renewable materials, and forest restoration initiatives. These businesses are stepping up to the plate, showing that forests and wood products are essential to meeting carbon-neutral and net-zero emissions goals.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that wood products and forests will continue to play a huge role in helping companies meet their environmental goals. The #forestproud movement is gaining momentum, and we’re excited to see these sustainable pledges grow and shape the future of eco-conscious brands. Together, we’re creating a better, greener world—one forest product at a time!