Under The Microscope

The Aotearoa/New Zealand Good Wood Guide by various authors; Friends of the Earth (NZ) and Wellington Rainforest Action Group; 1992; 24 pages; $6.00

With a market likely to consist of the already-converted, this book makes no real attempt to persuade disbelievers of the necessity of conserving rainforests. What it offers is basic information on rainforests and practical assistance in using timber from environmentally sound sources.

The first section gives the issues of forest importance and the timber trade a fairly brief going over. The text seems to cover the main points and to be mostly accurate, though it's naturally written very much from a conservationist viewpoint.

The second section consists of information intended to enable the consumer to make an informed decision about suitable, non-endangered timber for the intended use. It includes lists of timber properties, suppliers, timbers to avoid and "rainforest friendly" design and construction companies, which should prove valuable to both individuals and businesses. The information is by no means exhaustive, but it's a good place to start looking.

The Good Wood Guide advocates a sensible approach to wood use and is, all in all, a cheap and convenient handbook for people involved with timber construction who wish to maintain an environmentally-conscious outlook.

Phil Anderson, NZSM

Phil Anderson is the assistant editor of New Zealand Science Monthly