Criterion 6, indicator 28 : total and per capita consumption of wood and wood products in round wood equivalents

Abstract

Total consumption of wood and paper products and fuelwood, in roundwood equivalents, increased between 1965 and 1988 from 13.2 to 18.9 billion cubic feet. Since 1988, it has been about 20 billion cubic feet per year. Total per capita consumption increased between 1965 and 1987, from 68 to 83 ft3 per year. Since 1987 through 2006, per capita consumption has declined to 68 ft3 per year. Consumption excluding fuelwood increased steadily between 1965 and 2006, from 12.3 to 18.8 billion cubic feet. Most of the increase occurred between 1965 and 1988. Per capita consumption excluding fuelwood, has been relatively stable, averaging 63 ft3 per year. So, in roundwood equivalents, wood and paper products consumption has been increasing at roughly the pace of population. Total consumption has been increasing faster than domestic harvest as net imports of wood and paper products have increased. If consumption continues to increase faster than domestic harvest, then an increasing proportion of the environmental and economic effects of our consumption will be felt in forests in other countries that export products to the U.S.