Sustainable consumerism isn't just about shopping at the neighborhood tailgate market. It involves every part of our lives. Including buying furnishings made from locally-grown wood. Root Cause is a regional initiative to raise awareness of the local forest products industry among responsible consumers.

We live and work in the birthplace of Forest Conservation in the United States. Our forests give us life, shelter, and beauty; in turn, they should be protected and managed with thoughtful planning and the careful fostering of our valuable native tree species.

For conservation-minded landowners, preservation means utilizing their land without developing it. Increasing the demand for local forest products takes advantage of their natural assets, and starts a chain reaction of increased jobs for forestry consultants, logging teams, saw mill operators, manufacturers, craftspeople, retail sellers, and more. Root Cause is about supporting: 1. the local landowners that use their forests wisely – preserving their acreage, nature’s ecosystems, and our mountain views; and 2. all the people that may follow that tree from its growth to the making of something both beautiful and practical.

The need to utilize the many skills and products that we make in our backyard is greater than ever. Ever-rising fuel prices add dollars to everything that is made, and the environmental and societal costs of selling and shipping our locally harvested trees to overseas companies to be turned into wood furnishings that are turned around and sold back to us are unnecessary burdens. Buying local keeps money in Western North Carolina and is the truest way to create and sustain jobs for an improved, more sustainable economy.

Ultimately the Root Cause initiative is about linking everyone in the region from the landowner to the forest to the sawmill to the craftsperson. This directory is a start at representing the local forest products industries in our region. If you would like to be a part of the directory or know someone who should email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .