The pulp and paper industry has ravaged tropical rainforests, degraded old growth and intact forests, spurred social conflict, harmed endangered and threatened species, and driven the rise of plantations replacing our natural forests. The United States continues to be one of the largest consumers of paper products in the world, including from these destructive operations.
But you can help. Consumers in the United States can help drive responsible forestry with your paper choice. Recycled content and certification by the Forest Stewardship Council can indicate a better choice. However, the rise in e-commerce and the switch from plastic to disposable paper-based packaging has sparked unsustainable growth of the pulp and paper industry. A true reduction in the overall use of disposable packaging and paper is urgently needed to protect the world’s forest and our climate.