Pioneering a Carbon-Negative Approach to Climate Change through Sustainable Forestry

Specializing in sustainable forestry, Whole Forest operates as a hardwood surfaces company, offering an array of carbon-negative wood products, including tables, countertops, wall tiles, and flooring. Recognizing a substantial opportunity to mitigate carbon emissions, the company connects two causes responsible for nearly half of global climate emissions: tropical deforestation and the building construction industry.

Whole ForestIn the heart of Cristobal Colón Province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, a visionary company named Whole Forest has emerged as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. Established two decades ago by Peter Pinchot and Garrett Siegers, Whole Forest is on a mission to intertwine tropical forest conservation with green construction, presenting an innovative strategy to combat the pressing global issue of climate change.

Tropical deforestation alone contributes to 10% of carbon emissions, while the construction and operation of buildings release an additional 40%. Whole Forest tackles this dual challenge by preventing deforestation in Ecuador’s endangered rainforests, where illegal logging and clear-cutting pose imminent threats. By doing so, the company not only averts the release of massive CO2 emissions but also provides local communities with a sustainable alternative to exploitative practices.

A core strategy employed by Whole Forest involves transforming the economic dynamics of

whole forest
whole forest

local communities. Members of these communities, now employed by Whole Forest, experience improved financial prospects, eliminating the need to exploit their forestland for livelihoods. This shift not only protects the rainforest but also addresses the root causes of deforestation.

The furniture and wood products crafted by Whole Forest carry the carbon value of the preserved rainforest, rendering them truly carbon-negative. For instance, a dining table from

Whole Forest can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by 40% for a year. The company’s commitment extends to the installation of its products, preventing 2.4 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere for every standard countertop slab.

Whole ForestWhole Forest collaborates with architects, designers, and sustainability professionals in commercial, hospitality, and residential projects, offering high-quality solid wood flooring, countertops, tables, and designer wall coverings. With a unique carbon-negative footprint stemming from planet-positive forestry practices, Whole Forest contributes to a more sustainable future.

For more information, contact one of Whole Forest's design specialists to receive catalogs, samples, and design support:

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