I dig it when I read about companies that take the environment seriously. No, I’m not a tree hugger, but I realize that the better we take care of our environment today, the longer it’ll last and continue to provide a world for following generations. And I think we as consumers need to constantly evaluate our consumption and have a mind towards restoration and recycling.
So when Prestige Guitars contacted me about a reforestation initiative they’ve taken, I had to share it here. Here’s the press release:
Prestige Guitars Launches Reforestation Initiative
In an effort to recognize global reforestation needs, Prestige Guitars – the Vancouver based guitar manufacturer – is launching a unique reforestation initiative where a tree will be planted for every guitar manufactured.
Prestige Guitars is also taking further environmentally conscious measures to only use recycled paper stock for warranty registration cards, as well as shipping cartons that are from recycled cardboard – that are also 100% recyclable.
Reforestation is an economical solution to many tough environmental problems, including air and water pollution, climate change, wildlife protection, habitat restoration and more.
According to a recent report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization; between 2000 and 2010, some 13 million hectares of forests were converted annually to other uses, such as agriculture, construction, or lost through natural causes; down from 16 million hectares annually during the 1990s – according to an assessment which surveyed 233 countries and areas. Ambitious tree planting programs in countries such as China, India, United States and Viet Nam – combined with natural expansion of forests in some regions – have added more than 7 million hectares of new forests annually. Despite the
recent downward trend, an area roughly the size of Costa Rica is still being destroyed each year.
“By launching our own reforestation initiative, we hope to do our part for the environment, and also persuade and motivate other companies in our industry to follow suit. Although trees play an integral part in manufacturing a guitar, it’s frightening to imagine the state of our environment and our industry in the near future if we don’t start taking action now” – Michael Kurkdjian, President of Prestige Guitars Ltd.
Way to go, Prestige! This is something of which to be extremely proud!
Guitar Gear 
Concuring with the thought in general (and wondering at what is going on with and at Gibson) but what trees where? If the guitar is made of Limba (Korina) do they replace the tree at the source (where it was harvested)? Mahogany takes a great deal of time to mature – are they replacing mahogany with mahogany? How? Do hope they are not planting them like and apple orchards but more in line with what mother nature would do. I need to go to the web-site and look into it a bit more (http://www.prestigeguitars.com/reforestation-initiative.php). I like what they are doing for the Kelly Creek fire reforestation effort, but the questions still stand. Other questions to be explicitly addressed (and as a result of cost and market pressure likely have been): what is being done to minimize waste and scrap? What are they doing with the saw and sanding dust that result from building guitars? What types of glues and finishes are being used, how? How do they handle those wastes? Trees need clean air just like we do. We could go on to near absurdity with this but all of the makers in the industry should be stepping up to the plate on these matters. My hat is off to the folks at Prestige. I’ll consider their product in the future.
Bravo for them doing something; now as consumers let us challenge the other makers on this point before purchase. – Ron
With any luck this will become more of a trend and we won’t all be stuck playing plastic guitars in 2051.