The ecoSelect brand of timber products was launched in 2003 in response to growing public concern over logging practices used to extract timber from Australia's native forests. Concerns related particularly to unsustainable logging practices, such as clearfell logging (where every tree is taken, the area bulldozed and burnt), logging of rainforest, logging of old growth forest and endangered species habitat, and logging in water catchment areas reducing the quality and quantity of our water supply.

People were also becoming increasingly concerned that around 80% of the trees that were logged were ending up as woodchips and being exported overseas at a cost of around 9 cents a tonne.

The EcoSelect brand was created to address these concerns and the EcoSelect stamp of approval was placed on timber extracted from Australia's native forests. Meanwhile, what had changed in the forest? Absolutely nothing.

The EcoSelect brand was used by Neville Smith Timbers, Victoria's biggest sawmill operator. Neville Smith Timbers sources timber from the Central Highlands, clearfell logging areas including endangered species habitat, old growth forest and water catchment areas from which Melbourne draws its drinking water.

Environmental groups labeled this advertising move as a cynical attempt to appear to be addressing the public's environmental concerns. "The reality is that nothing has changed in Victoria's native forests. EcoSelect timber is still responsible for the destruction of habitat for endangered species" said Gavan McFadzean, Victorian Campaigns Manager of The Wilderness Society.

On the other hand, the EcoSelect website told of the environmental benefits of their products:

"Australia is among world leaders in forest management and through the introduction of the EcoSelect brand, you can be certain in your choice of sustainably managed natural Australian hardwood timber products."

Actually, the Australian forestry industry has been consistently refused accreditation by the Forest Stewardship Council, the international standard for sustainable forestry practices (now under scrutiny by several environment NGOs itelf). This is due to Australia's world renowned reputation for unsustainable forestry practices that is only rivaled by illegal logging operations in developing nations. Four privately owned plantations are the sole holders FSC accreditation in Australia.

"EcoSelect denotes timber harvested in accordance with guidelines that are among the most stringent in terms of forest regeneration, biodiversity and native fauna protection criteria."

As previously mention, forestry guidelines in Australia lag behind international standards. Victorian forestry guidelines allow for logging in endangered species habitat and provide contentious definitions of "rainforest" and "old growth". The Victorian Forestry Industry underwent an independent environmental audit for the first time ever in 2003. The audit carried out through the EPA examined 30 logging coups and found breaches of forestry guidelines in 100% of coups. Areas of consistent non-compliance included guidelines regarding land rehabilitation, habitat tree protection, reserved area protection, logging of rainforest (56% compliance), and the construction of boundary tracks. (www.epa.vic.gov.au)

"EcoSelect timber is part of a broad vision of sustainable forestry in which our forests will continue to flourish and the balance of nature is supported."

Less than 8% of Victoria's old growth forests now remain. The native species that rely on old growth as their only suitable habitat are critically endangered and face extinction. Such species include the Long-footed Potaroo, Powerful Owl, Baw Baw Frog and Spot-tailed (Tiger) Quoll. Native forest that is logged is replaced with single species monocultures, that do not allow for the return of the majority of native species. Pine plantations are particularly problematic in this way.

"When you buy EcoSelect timber products, you are investing in wood that lives on - both in the exquisite hardwood products and in the legacy of the forests that regenerate."

You can't simply replant (regenerate) a complex forest eco-system. The forests that are clearfelled in Victoria have grown over tens of thousands of years and developed their characteristics through the interactions of each species within it. This "forest legacy" cannot be replicated by plantations that are logged on a 20-80 year rotation.

"Mature trees have little ability to continue to sequester carbon dioxide because their growth rates have slowed down. Carbon storage does continue in the ecosystem in, for example, root systems and branches on the forest floor. Trees are harvested when they are at the stage of life where they have a reduced ability to fix carbon."

Out of the mouths of the industry itself, Australia continues to log old growth trees, the hollows of which provide essential habitat for our endangered species. Not mentioned is the fact that old trees are vital in water catchment areas to prevent sedimentation of our water supply through erosion. In addition, when old trees are cut down in water catchment areas, the new trees that grow use twice as much water, thus reducing collected water supplies by up to 50%.

"You can rest assured that EcoSelect timber products are among the most environmentally friendly products we can use."

The most environmentally friendly timber products you can use are sustainable and recycled timbers (visit the One Stop Timber Shop). Timber grown in sustainably managed plantations that have not been planted within native forest areas could also be a better option (although there is much debate about the sustainability of plantations in general).

EPILOGUE

Due to lack of sales, criticism from peak environmental NGOs including The Wilderness Society (ecoNeglect campaign) and The Australian Conservation Foundation, a boycott campaign and public cynicism, the ecoSelect brand no longer exists. Keep an eye our for the same old growth native timber under a different "eco-friendly" brand name.