Myths about the sustainability of the North American paper industry and its products are common media fodder in today’s world of sensationalized, headline-driven journalism. This time it was the turn of Popular Science to weave together a collection of standard anti-paper tropes into your “Modern paper use is wildly unsustainable” article.
Shouldn’t a publication dedicated to reporting on science resist the easy narrative, hold up a submission to the illuminating glow of real authoritative data and pick up the phone to ask industry scientists or a school of forestry if any of what the authors claim makes sense?
After all, paper is not only the most recycled material in North America. It is a material whose industry grows and regrows its own feedstock (wood fiber), derives most of the power to drive its processes from carbon neutral biofuel, and recycles more than 95% of the chemicals it uses to turn trees into pulp. This is not “wildly unsustainable.” This is a description of some of the world’s most sustainable products.
much more at source: https://twosidesna.org/US/two-sides-responds-to-misleading-claims-about-the-sustainability-of-paper-products-in-popular-science/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TSNA%20Two%20Sides%20Responds%20to%20Misleading%20Claims%20about%20the%20Sustainability%20of%20Paper%20Products%20in%20Popular%20Science&utm_content=TSNA%20Two%20Sides%20Responds%20to%20Misleading%20Claims%20about%20the%20Sustainability%20of%20Paper%20Products%20in%20Popular%20Science+CID_0914a023d420fff2fd6f95100d31dcc4&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=READ%20MORE
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UPM has been positioned on this year's A List for water and forests by CDP, the non-profit global environmental disclosure platform. CDP's A List comprises companies from around the world that have been identified as leading in their efforts and actions to combat environmental risk in the past CDP reporting year. Of the companies that submitted information, UPM is one of the only four companies to score an A on both water and forests. "UPM is committed to the internationally accepted principles of sustainable forest management and to minimise the negative impacts of its operations on water resources," says Tuomas Niemi, Manager, UPM Environment and Responsibility. "We aim to maximise our total contribution to society by creating long-term profitable business with responsible practises embedded into our operations and value-chain", Niemi continues. Click Read More below for additional information.
We are delighted to present the first two shortlisted projects for the World Architecture Festival’s (WAF) Best Use of Certified Timber Prize, supported by PEFC: A forest tower in Denmark that invites visitors to discover the forest from above, and an airport in the Philippines, whose timber roof makes it both inviting and earthquake-resistant. Camp Adventure Forest Tower is a helical observation tower that invites visitors to climb up above the treetops of the PEFC-certified Gisselfeld Klosters Forest in Denmark. The 45-metre-tall tower forms the culmination of a 900-metre-long boardwalk through the forest, and offers visitors a 360-degree view over the trees, hills, lakes and meadows that make up the natural landscape. Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the second largest airport in the Philippines, has received a new terminal 2, with a gigantic roof made of PEFC-certified timber. The concept for the terminal was inspired by the local climate, materiality, feel, arts, crafts and industrial skills.
American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Massachusetts Senate Bill 424, “Act Reducing Plastic Bag Pollution.” The bill seeks to place a 10-cent tax on recycled paper bags beginning on August 1, 2018. “This bill, intended to reduce plastic pollution, wrongfully penalizes paper bags—a commodity that is highly recycled, recyclable, compostable and made from a renewable resource. Unfortunately, this is a missed opportunity to differentiate paper bags as an environmentally responsible option. Paper bags are a sustainable packaging option for consumers who need carryout bags. “This policy takes Massachusetts in the wrong direction and sets a poor example for the region. AF&PA looks forward to continuing to work with the state of Massachusetts on this provision.”