Items to Avoid:

Plywood | Dowels | Rayon | Palm Oil | Hardwoods | Primate Pets | What You Can Do

Dowels Made from Ramin

Indonesia has become the world’s largest dowel producer. Dowels are primarily constructed from ramin, an endangered tree that grows in the peat swamp rainforests of Borneo. Loggers are rapidly eliminating the entire range of ramin. The tree, found in peat swamp forests of Indonesia and Malaysia, is home to the last remaining wild orangutans. High demand for ramin, used in furniture and decorative items, has had a direct impact on illegal logging, which in turn has greatly diminished the prime habitat for orangutans.

Dowels are primarily used for tool handles. Rakes, brooms, mops, plungers, brushes and the handles of other tools are often made from ramin. Even goods stamped “Made in the USA” is no guarantee, since many of the tool companies import ramin dowels to make handles for their tools.

Ramin is also use extensively in furniture such as futons, a prime target for Indonesian furniture manufacturers. Much of the ramin that goes into furniture and decorative housewares is smuggled into Malaysia before being exported to world markets.

Nearly 150 governments from around the world agreed on strict rules governing the trade of ramin, a crucial decision that will hopefully protect both orangutans and their forest habitat. The agreement was signed by government representatives at the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), held in Bangkok, Thailand, in October 2004. The United States, one of the biggest importers of ramin, has agreed to support the trade proposal. The new rule ensures that future ramin will be harvested legally and that international trade in the wood will not endanger species such as orangutans.

Look for the FSC logo on these wood products, or alternatively buy tools with plastic handles or metal frame futons.