Making Paper Always destroys Forests - The Myths and Facts

Making Paper Always destroys Forests - The Myths and Facts

There is a myth and several facts that  paper production is not a cause of deforestation. According to the report of Two Sides a non-profit organization of North America, various studied have been conducted by Various Forest Service Departments and Various Research Companies which show that the North American paper industry promotes sustainable forestry and depends on sustainable forest growth to provide a reliable supply of wood fiber. Paper manufacturers encourage forest sustainability through their purchase and use  of certified wood fiber and by promoting sustainable forest management policies and practices at home and around the globe. By providing a dependable market for responsibly grown fiber, the paper industry encourages landowners to manage their forestland instead of selling it for development or other non-forest uses. Some facts Claims like “go  paperless – save trees”  create a false impression that forests are a finite resource, being destroyed. In truth, North American forests are a renewable resource that is continuously replenished using sustainable forest management.

- Dovetail Partners, 2014

Over the last six decades, the net total U.S. forest area has increased by over 3% and the net volume  of trees on timberland has increased by 58%. In Canada, the forest cover has remained stable over the last two decades and less than 0.5% of Canada’s forest resource is harvested each year.

- USDA Forest Service, 2012 and Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, 2014

Most pulpwood harvested in the U.S. (89%) comes from private land. The income landowners receive for trees grown on their land encourages them to maintain, sustainably manage and renew this valuable resource.

- USDA Forest Service, 2012

Avoiding the use of wood is not the way to protect forests for the long term. It is precisely the areas of the world that consume the least wood that continue to experience the greatest forest loss.

- Dovetail Partners, 2014

European Forests have grown by over 30% since 1950 and are increasing by 1.5 million football pitches every year - an area four times the size of London. (1) 90% of  deforestation is caused by unsustainable agricultural practices.' Underlying causes of deforestation.

-World Rainforest Movement; UN FAO

55% of the worlds wood harvest is used for energy and 25% construction. There are some other uses but paper only directly takes and in addition can utilise up to 7% from construction waste.

-Derived from FAOSTAT 2011

In some countries, Particularly in the tropics, there are issues over land rights and natural forest conversion to industrial plantations which are cause for concern to the paper industry,

-NGOs and consumers alike.

'The single biggest direct cause of tropical deforestation is conversion to crop land and pasture, mainly for subsistence.'

                                                                                                                                                                                                               -www.replantingtherainforests.org, April 2013

In northern Europe, where almost all ancient forests are protected, paper comes from managed semi-natural forests where the cycle of planting, growing and logging is carefully controlled. Historical concerns in northern Europe and Canada have now been largely resolved through co-operation between legislators, campaigners and forest industries to protect ancient forests. 82.7% of the pulp we use originates from Europe.'

-CEPI Sustainability Report, 2011

Well managed forests provide a natural habitat for wildlife. There is always room for improvement and the European Environment Agency (EEA) has stated that 'Forestry practice in Europe is developing in a way that can be considered good for biodiversity.' (2) All imported pulp to Europe is covered by European Union Timber Regulation which prohibits the import of wood products from illegally harvested timber. Forests cover almost half of Europe's land and forest area continues to increase. ' Over the last 20 years the forest area has expanded in all European regions '.

-MCPFE, State of Europe's Forests, 2011

- “Paper production supports sustainable forest management.

-  Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world.

-  Most of the energy used to make paper is renewable.

- The carbon footprint of paper is not as high as you think.

- E-media also has environmental impacts that need to be considered.

- Paper has inherent sustainable features.

 In 2011, the US recovered 67% of the paper it consumed.

- 2x as high as glass & metal, and ~9x higher than plastic

- In 2009, 25% of electronics were recycled.”

-US EPA

Sources: Two Sides U.S., Inc

“Paper Mills don’t cut down the forest for paper making, 68% paper is made from waste paper through recycling & agro based products and remaining paper is made through plantation of trees grown by paper mills itself.” 

-Mr. C. Balasubramanian, President of Federation of Paper Traders Association of India (FPTA)

Fact

- Pulpwood harvested in the U.S. (89%) comes from private land.

- 90% of deforestation is caused by unsustainable agricultural practices.

- Europe is one of largest producer of Wood Pulp but still European Forests have grown by over 30% since 1950 and are increasing by 1.5 million football pitches

every year - an area four times the size of London.

- 55% of the worlds wood harvest is used for energy and 25% construction

Web Title: Making Paper Always destroys Forests The Myths and Facts