Optimizing and Finding Alternatives to Wood.  Dan Imhoff addresses the issue of how to build homes with an eye toward the future and the maintenance of the forests of the world. As he points out, while wood is a natural material and biodegradable—normally considered good characteristics by those who make the effort to be environmentally conscious—it takes far more time to grow a tree than it does to cut one down. In order for trees to be a sustainable material, a new tree must be planted for each one that is used for building, and the speed of nature is not conducive to this type of an exchange.  Imhoff discusses the various materials that can be used as an alternative, and explains the benefits of each of them. A reviewer for Science News noted the statistic that "for each 2,000-square-foot house, one acre of forest is felled," illustrating the need for embracing Imhoff's suggestions. 

Daniel Imhoff is a writer and activist whose primary interests focus on various ways in which people can make better use of the planet's natural resources.   

From the Archives: This live interview was recorded on  March 20, 2002 on the nationally syndicated radio program, hosted by Laura Lee . See more at www.lauralee.com 

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