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 he
end to logging old growth forests is closer to reality as a result
of commitments by nearly 30 leading corporations. The companies,
which include Kinko's, Nike, Starbucks, Hallmark, and Hewlett-Packard,
have committed to survey their suppliers and to ensure that they
are not purchasing products made from old growth. This is the
most significant step toward phasing out use of old growth wood
products to date.
 "Kinko's
is proud to be a part of this effort to save the world's remaining
old-growth forests, and the magnificent Great Bear Rainforest
in particular," said Larry Rogero, Environmental Manager
of Kinko's. "Over the next year we will audit our supply
mills to insure that, to the best of our knowledge, our products
are old growth free."
In addition
to phasing out purchases of old growth wood, the companies have
committed to reduce overall consumption of wood related products
containing virgin fibers, and to increase the use of certified,
recycled and tree-free alternatives. "These companies are
sending a powerful signal to the marketplace that there is a
demand for ecologically sustainable alternatives," observed
David Ford, Executive Director of the Certified Forest Products
Council.
The
effort to reduce U.S. consumption of the world's ancient forests
is spearheaded by the Coastal Rainforest Coalition (CRC) which
represents a broad array of Canadian and U.S. environmental organizations,
including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Greenpeace,
and Rainforest Action Network.
According
to CRC, the companies making these commitments account for more
than $1 billion of the annual U.S. market for paper, pulp and
packaging. "The commitments made by these companies prove
that corporate America can be a force for saving the world's
last ancient forests," said Michael Marx, Executive Director
of the Coastal Rainforest Coalition. "Their leadership should
inspire other companies who are resisting going old-growth-free
like Home Depot, HomeBase and The Los Angeles Times."
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