Sandalwood
Sandalwood has been used for 3,000 years. Today, the demand has increased significantly as it is also used in the cosmetics industry. Traditionally, the main supplier has been India.
Between the 1950s and 1970s, about half a million sandalwood trees were harvested each year to meet the needs of the industry. By 1974 there were 350,000 trees left in India and the trade ceased. Production continued in Australia, but it caused problems for the locals.
Amyris sandalwood is a substitute for East Indian sandalwood, which has the same healing properties and when used in aromatherapy is an ethical substitute without the same environmental cost of East Indian sandalwood.