Wood vs. Alternative and Recycled Materials

Areas of Science	Environmental Science
Difficulty
Time Required	Long (2-4 weeks)

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Abstract

Our forests are a very important natural resource that need to be managed wisely. We use wood products for many different purposes: building materials, paper, cardboard, furniture, fuel, etc. How can we use wood products in a sustainable manner? You can do experiments that examine the growth time of different tree species to see which are good candidates for tree farming. Which types of lumber are most sustainable? You can also compare the effects of clear cutting vs. thinning a forested environment, which method is most sustainable? Which method is least intrusive and displaces the least wildlife? Experiment with alternative materials for wood, like concrete, plastic, steel, and alternative decking materials. These materials have plastic and recycled wood fibers mixed together to form a structure similar to a 2x4. Experiment with processes to re-use and recycle wood products into pulp for the cardboard and paper industry. Compare the percentages of recycled material in paper products. Invent ways to minimize paper packaging materials. (National Arbor Day Foundation, 2006; NPS, 2006; EPA, 2006)

Bibliography

EPA, 2006. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. Retrieved March 1, 2006.
National Arbor Day Foundation, 2006. National Arbor Day Foundation, Washington, D.C. Retrieved March 1, 2006.
NPS, 2006. National Park Service, Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior. Retrieved March 1, 2006.

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MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Wood vs. Alternative and Recycled Materials." Science Buddies, 23 June 2020, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/EnvSci_p038/environmental-science/wood-vs-alternative-and-recycled-materials. Accessed 28 Sep. 2020.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2020, June 23). Wood vs. Alternative and Recycled Materials. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/EnvSci_p038/environmental-science/wood-vs-alternative-and-recycled-materials

Last edit date: 2020-06-23

Experimental Procedure

For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

Ask an Expert

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Abstract

Bibliography