10/01/2026
Many of us are becoming more conscious of our choices’ environmental impact. One place you can seek out sustainable options is at home—even when you’re making changes to it.
Buy Canadian. Canada’s forest products are produced sustainably, with scientific research driving harvesting and forest regeneration. They aren’t just in demand here. Sustainably harvested lumber and mass timber—made of smaller wood pieces glued and pressed together for strength—are finding new markets in Europe and Asia. They’re providing low-carbon, high-durability material for projects there, with the demand for higher-grade lumber continuing to rise.
Materials produced here also don’t have to travel as far or use as much fuel to reach you. Here are some sustainable materials from Canadian forest products you can consider for your next home project:
Lumber. Canada has a number of different tree species that provide high-quality lumber. Softwood, like pine and cedar, works well for projects like drywalling or framing. Hardwood, like oak and maple, is well-suited for elements that will get a lot of wear, such as flooring or cabinets.
Wood fibre insulation. Made from steam-treated woodchips, wood fibre insulation is sustainable, efficient and, thanks to borate treatment, fire-resistant. Any water that gets into the insulation naturally spreads out to dry evenly, making it a good choice for moisture control.
Builder’s paper. When you’re doing any home project, it’s important to think about how you’re going to protect your existing elements. Builder’s paper, made from recycled material, can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to protect floors and walls from dust, paint and scratches.
Forest sustainability is making a world of difference. A more diverse group of trade partners means more customers for Canadian forest products. That helps support the industry and communities across the country with good jobs. The revenue from international trade also helps fund essential services and programs, including pensions, schools, roads and healthcare.
Whether it’s in a highrise across the world or the deck in your backyard, wood from Canada’s forests is a sustainable choice that helps support projects, workers and communities. You can learn more about this country’s forest products and how market diversification is bringing them to the world at canada.ca/whattheworldwants.
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