[Yardstick]

They’re the same way with precious hardwoods like ebony and rosewood. Rapacious and totally unconcerned with considerations like sustainability, and I say this as a fellow non tree hugger. They buy huge quantities, mainly for furniture, from unscrupulous suppliers in places like Madagascar who think nothing of clearcutting in order to make a buck. They know full well who they’re dealing with, but it’s like they don’t have a conscience.

[chessplayer]

They’re the same way with precious hardwoods like ebony and rosewood. Rapacious and totally unconcerned with considerations like sustainability, and I say this as a fellow non tree hugger. They buy huge quantities, mainly for furniture, from unscrupulous suppliers in places like Madagascar who think nothing of clearcutting in order to make a buck. They know full well who they’re dealing with, but it’s like they don’t have a conscience.

---

Chinese capitalism is capitalism gone berserk.

[MacMattico]

You're right, a neighbor of mine plays a Grenadilla wood oboe and owns a Rosewood one. I don't know much about wood or oboes but he prefers to play his oboes from the 1970’s because he says newer ones are made with wood from younger, less seasoned trees which makes the wood thinner and crack more easily. The sound isn't as beautiful. All because countries like China are using up all the good, old stock and they have to use younger trees with less then mature wood for instruments. (Or so this is how I understand what he said!)