Half of British shoppers have no idea that the paper and wood products they are buying could come from illegal sources, according to new research from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The UK is the fourth largest importer of illegally harvested or traded timber and wood products in the world. The amount of illegal timber coming into the country is enough to fill the Royal Albert Hall 32 times, says the charity, and it's used in everything from garden furniture to laminate flooring.

The WWF's campaign 'What Wood You Choose' aims to raise awareness of illegal and unsustainable deforestation, which is responsible for around 15% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the survey, only 28% of those questioned had heard of the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) logo, which is applied to wood products sourced from well-managed forests according to high environmental and social standards.

WWF-UK head of campaigns Colin Butfield said: "If people buy any wood or paper products that aren't certified then they could, unwittingly, be helping to fuel illegal and unsustainable logging activities across the globe.

"Buying FSC-certified products is the only way to be certain that the interests of the forests, the species that live in them, and the people that rely on them to make a living are being considered."

A new EU law will ban illegal timber and wood products from the European market from 2012. Companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality.

Many retailers are already working to ensure the timber products they sell are ethically sourced. B&Q claims more than 90% of all its wood products now come from proven well-managed forests or recycled materials. The company recently launched its 'Forest-Friendly' campaign to raise awareness of the importance of only buying products made from or containing wood that has come from sustainable sources.