If you've ever used a Walrus Oil product, you may have noticed the National Forest Foundation logo or our mission statement explaining our passion for tree planting. In 2024, we reinforced our commitment by allocating nearly our entire environmental budget to tree planting programs, rather than carbon credits and similar initiatives. Additionally, this year, I began graduate school at the University of Colorado, working toward a Master's Degree in Sustainable Business, the first of its kind from a US-based public university. I'm looking forward to taking what I learn about social enterprise and putting it right into practice at Walrus Oil.

Wood stores carbon in the many products we use every day

Understandably "carbon" can spark intense discussions, but as a student of sustainability, I want to clarify that carbon is not our enemy. In fact, it is a natural and essential element for all life on Earth. Without carbon, we wouldn't have trees that's required for woodworking, many household goods, and architecture. Trees need water, minerals, sunlight, and (you guessed it) carbon to grow. My perspective leans towards "climate optimism" because I see carbon as a friend, and I believe trees would agree. However, rapid deforestation is a significant contributor to excess carbon levels, not just cars and planes. Instead of delving into the various theories about its impact on the planet, I view it as an opportunity to plant countless saplings. As shown in the infographic from Vermont Parks & Rec, saplings act as carbon sinks, taking-in carbon as they grow into shade trees, homes for eagles, and eventually lumber for woodworking projects when harvested. All good things that I believe everyone can agree on!

Recently, I came across an article published by Grist that explains in great detail why trees are likely our best answer for pulling carbon from the atmosphere, to help the planet have a more habitable future. "Trees suck up carbon, turning it into wood as they grow bigger, storing this living carbon for decades or sometimes even centuries.” (Jess Nichols, Grist 2023). Read full article here


While the Grist article notes that trees release stored carbon into the atmosphere when they die and decompose or are burned from wildfires, it overlooks the fact that carbon continues to be stored long-term in lumber and wooden products, so long as these products don't end up in landfills. This point is highlighted in the info graphic below from the U.S. Forest Service. "When trees are sustainably harvested, wood continues to store carbon in the thousands of products we use every day, from paper products to lumber to energy generation. Trees then regrow, repeating the cycle" (USDA, 2019). All of this is exactly why we coined the saying "sustainable forestry is job security"!


Article Written by Dave Darr, Founder/CEO