Selective logging is more sustainable than clear cutting. Selective logging is where certain trees are removed. This helps to protect biodiversity and reduces damage to the environment. Organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council certify timber that is produced from sustainably managed forests. This helps consumers to buy timber from well-managed forests.
Harvesting Recycle Paper Mill Transport of Timber
End of Life Landfill Use Fig. 4 The life cycle of paper and cardboard.
Metals Metals are used in the construction of buildings, transport vehicles, containers, satellites, electrical circuits, mobile phones, computers and many other objects. Metals are more difficult to obtain than wood as they come from ores which have to be mined. Mining is heavily mechanised and carefully monitored in countries such as Ireland, Britain and Australia. In other countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bolivia, mining is less controlled and uses more manual methods. Conditions are often unsafe for workers in these areas and many mines are in areas where there is conflict and war. A societal impact is one that affects a community of people. Examples of societal impacts
Societal impact One that affects a community of people.
due to mining include the forced relocation of local people to allow mining, and conflict for control of areas rich in valuable metals. Mining involves moving large amounts of earth and water. This can lead to the release of toxic chemicals into the environment, contamination of water and changes to the level of the water table. Such impacts can make it dangerous for people living in these areas. Careful management can make mining more
environmentally sustainable. Recycling water, using renewable energy sources and protecting rare ecosystems near mining activities are some of the methods that mining companies have used.
286 Fig. 5 Metals are used to make transport vehicles and containers. Distribution
