To All:

I'm having a problem, and would appreciate some advice. The situation is, I'm tearing out all the carpet in the house and installing hardwood floors. The Mrs. and I have our eyes on Brazilian Teak or Brazilian Cherry. the problem is, those are rain forest woods, and I have a tough time believing the BR-111 that they practice selective harvest and replant many times what they cut down. American red oak is a very renewable resource, but it is not nearly as durable as the Brazilian wood. What would you do? Go with the oak, or trust BR-111 that they do act responsibly? Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

Our Southern neighbors have implemented laws requiring Replanting and Land management to sustain the environment. Your fears are no longer needed. Brazile to Costa Rica have passed laws to protect the Environment in recent years... But still the manufacturers make a big deal out of being "environmentally" friendly since they have no choice.
There may be lawbreakers or a few countries, such as Honduras, that may not have these laws as yet, but most do.