Sounds Good

by Andrea Millar — April 1, 2008

Instrument makers (and, under other circumstances, competitors) Martin, Gibson, Fender, Taylor, and Yamaha have collaborated with Greenpeace and Alaskan loggers Sealaska to formulate plans for more ecologically balanced culling practices. As part of the Good Wood campaign, the new, voluntary reforms aim to restrict old-growth harvesting and increase consideration for nearby habitats. Although the music makers comprise a small portion of wood consumption, its consumers are seen as a vocal population with an eye on optimizing green practices.

However, this move isn't just about pleasing a more earth-oriented customer base. One music industry-oriented problem with unrestricted logging in old-growth regions like Alaska? The possible rapid decimation of Sitka spruce, an old-growth wood used in guitars and pianos to produce tones that the companies listed above have deemed essential to quality instruments. Rather than scramble to find a substitute for the special way that Sitka guitars softly weep, they worked with Greenpeace to enact the surest way to a safe supply of spruce: forest stewardship. While being more ecologically sound, the stewardship actions will also hopefully secure the supply of old-growth Sitka into the future. Proper stewardship is rewarded by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation, enabling the manufacturer to use a certifying stamp for sustainable practices.

With these big names on board, Greenpeace hopes to see a huge boost for the FSC and Good Wood campaign. In the meantime, the musicians in your life can continue to serenade you with greener instruments for years to come. Whether you like it or not.