Forests in everyday life

Forests shape our lives in subtle yet powerful ways. Whether it’s the materials in our homes, the air we breathe, or the moments of calm we find under leafy trees, forests support our wellbeing - often without us even realising. Discover just how connected we are to forests in our everyday routines.

Quiet contributors to daily essentials

From coffee cups and kitchen tables to toothpaste, books, packaging, cosmetics and clothing, forest-based products are everywhere. Even less obvious items like detergents, chewing gum, musical instruments, and wine corks often come from trees. These everyday essentials highlight how closely forests are interwoven with modern life. 

Choosing PEFC-certified products ensures that these materials come from sustainably managed forests - protecting the forests we rely on.

Invisible life-sustaining services

Forests provide essential services we depend on every day. Mature trees produce oxygen - one leafy tree can generate enough to support two to ten people per day. Forests also play a critical role in water security: nearly one-third of the world’s largest cities, including New York, Bogotá and Mumbai, rely on forested watersheds for their drinking water. Without forests, many of our most basic needs would be at risk.

Cooling, filtering and mental wellbeing

In towns and cities, trees help us stay healthy and cool. Tree cover reduces the effects of heatwaves by shading buildings and streets, while filtering harmful air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter. This leads to cleaner air and better respiratory health. Forests and green spaces also offer opportunities for exercise, relaxation and social connection - all vital for mental wellbeing and quality of life.

Support forests with your choices

From city streets to kitchen cupboards, forests are part of our daily lives - often in ways we don’t see. They provide the resources we depend on, the services that sustain our health, and the spaces that restore our minds. But as global demand for forest products continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to ensure that these resources are managed responsibly.

By choosing products with the PEFC label, you are supporting forests that are managed with care - for people, wildlife and the climate. PEFC certification ensures that forests are not only protected, but also continue to provide for communities and future generations. It’s a small choice that makes a big difference - helping ensure that forests remain a vibrant part of everyday life, today and tomorrow.