Published 10-02-07
Submitted by Environmental Paper Network
ASHEVILLE, NC - October 2, 2007 - Today, the Environmental Paper Network, a diverse group of environmental organizations joined together to support socially and environmentally sustainable transformations within the pulp and paper industry, released a report detailing the environmental impacts of the paper industry. The State of the Paper Industry is the first comprehensive report addressing fiber sourcing, recycling, consumption, paper production, and the paper industry’s impact on communities and the climate crisis.
A green wave is sweeping North America and more and more companies are scrutinizing their impact on the planet and taking action to reduce their footprint. This transformation has even impacted the paper industry where companies from all sectors including the magazine, book and catalog industries, office supply retailers, apparel stores and the financial service sectors have adopted green paper policies. From Victoria's Secret and Williams Sonoma to Staples and FedEx-Kinkos to Raincoast Books and Random House, companies are increasing their use of recycled paper, scrutinizing the forest practices associated with paper production, and examining their impact on the global climate.
"This report is a comprehensive environmental review of an industry that continues to be one of our planet's most significant environmental challenges," said Joshua Martin, Environmental Paper Network Coordinator. "The good news is that a shift within the paper industry has begun, and corporate leaders are emerging across every sector to embrace new tools for responsible choices, responsible production and major climate, health and forest benefits. This report offers a broadly supported Vision and a challenge to the industry while documenting a baseline of environmental data for monitoring real progress and identifying real leaders in years to come."
The report finds:
The industry continues to have far-reaching, negative environmental impacts:
The "State of the Industry" report details how an industry known for forest degradation, toxic pollution, and resistance to change is starting to shift. Though the shift has begun, there is a critical need for improvement across the boards.
"From continual logging of the world's endangered forests to a de-emphasis of recycled paper, many companies within the paper industry continue to hide behind business as usual practices or pawn off new practices as 'green'," said Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Markets Initiative. "We challenge these companies to embrace a truly sustainable paper industry that protects forests and ensures clean water, clean air and a stable climate for future generations."
The report calls on companies to minimize paper consumption, maximize recycled content, source fiber responsibly, and employ cleaner production methods to reduce their impact on the climate crisis. Additional recommendations include, greater investment in recycling infrastructure, seeking FSC certification, and greater attention to supply chain in order to reduce overall consumption.
"Simple solutions are available for paper companies, retailers, and consumers to create a socially and environmentally responsible paper system," said Sid Cullipher, Executive Director of Dogwood Alliance. "Make informed purchasing decisions, focus on solutions that advance social and environmental sustainability, and embrace better manufacturing practices."
To download a copy of the report or executive summary visit: www.environmentalpaper.org/stateofthepaperindustry
The Environmental Paper Network is a diverse group of environmental organizations joined together to support socially and environmentally sustainable transformations within the pulp and paper industry. The Network developed the Common Vision as a framework to guide necessary shifts in production and consumption.
The Steering Committee of the EPN includes: As You Sow, Borealis Centre, Conservatree, Co-Op America, Dogwood Alliance, Environmental Defense, ForestEthics, Green Press Initiative, Markets Initiative, and National Wildlife Federation.
To contact report authors or spokespeople at the above groups, please call or email Scot Quaranda at 828.251.2525 x18 or scot@dogwoodalliance.org.
The Environmental Paper Network (EPN) accelerates environmental transformation in the pulp and paper industry in order to protect forests, climate, air, water and communities.
The EPN facilitates a powerful movement of independent organizations, strategically leveraging their collective expertise and resources, to initiate change and environmental improvement in the pulp and paper industry.
The EPN is led by a Steering Committee that includes: Canopy, Climate for Ideas, Conservatree, Dogwood Alliance, ForestEthics, Green America, Green Press initiative, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Council of Maine, and Rainforest Action Network.
Other organizations which are active participants and/or serve on EPN Working Groups include NRDC, WWF-US, Greenpeace (US and Canada), Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Product Policy Institute, Environmental Defense Fund, Responsible Purchasing Network, Catalog Choice, and more.
More from Environmental Paper Network