Change is on the Horizon: Environmental Paper Revolution Has Begun

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON: ENVIRONMENTAL PAPER REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN

New Report Details State of the Paper Industry; Calls for Transformation of Forest Practices, Paper Production, and Smarter Purchasing and Consumption Decisions

ASHEVILLE, NC, October 2, 2007 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- 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 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."

Key findings include:

Negative environmental impacts-

The paper industry is the fourth largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions among United States manufacturing industries.
Paper accounts for 25% of landfill waste, the largest of any single component.
Paper production accounts for over 40% of the world's industrial wood harvest
Paper production is one of the world's largest consumers and polluters of fresh water

Positive environmental opportunities-

Growing market demand for environmentally responsible paper products, including FSC
Cleaner production and alternatives to chlorine bleaching
Increasing recovery of waste paper
The emergence of innovative corporate leaders.

"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.

To download a copy of the report: www.environmentalpaper.org/stateofthepaperindustry/

Visit the Environmental Paper Network website to learn about the diverse coalition and read their Common Vision 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.

CONTACT:
Scot Quaranda
Dogwood Alliance
828.251.2525 x18
scot@dogwoodalliance.org