At X8 Drums we take great pride in the fact that our entire line of X8 djembe drums are produced using legal wood that is environmentally sustainable. Unfortunately we're in the minority as there are many more companies importing wood that is illegally harvested. A big incentive is cost. It's much cheaper to go into the world's forests and rip down trees illegally. It's actually about three times more expensive to secure wood that is legally harvested than wood that is taken illegally. To make matters worse there are no laws in this country that prevent importers from bringing in illegal wood. And many consumers are not educated on knowing the difference and demanding legal wood.

There are essentially two ways to help combat this worldwide epidemic. One is through education. We're trying to do our part by educating djembe buyers on the differences between legal and illegal timber through articles and blogs on the topic and making references to our sustainable djembe drums all throughout the product pages. The other and quicker way to help combat illegal logging is through Governmental policy. Setting laws in place that prevent companies from importing wood that is harvested illegally will swiftly help curb this major epidemic. We're definitely fans of policy that will help end deforestation through illegal logging.

You can image my surprise when today I received an e-mail from the Petition site discussing this very subject. Not only that but there's currently a bill on the Senate floor that will put an end to illegal logging. The Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007 (S.1930), legislation would make it a crime in America to knowingly import, sell, buy or transport illegally sourced wood and wood products. Illegal logging makes life more difficult for millions who depend upon forests for meeting their most basic needs. Environmental degradation including soil erosion, desertification, and reduced agricultural productivity, and the ongoing struggle for resources all contribute to an unsound policy of allowing illegal wood to be brought into this country.

Please help fight illegal logging by sending a message to your Senators today to support the Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007 (S.1930)!

When shopping for wooden based products it's important, as a consumer, to know the source of the wood so you can make a more educated decision. By only purchasing wooden products that can prove a Government certification process and are made using legally certified sustainable timber can we together help protect our world's forests, assist in preserving and maintaining a well-balanced eco-system and help support local economies. Get the facts before buying and ask questions. It's your buying decision that helps shape the world in which we live!!

Link to the petition form: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/536283881

Thanks,

-mark (signature #1787)