We've all seen them before, either on an email from a friend "Please consider the environment before printing this," or at the bottom of a utility bill, "Go green, go paperless!" But how do prevailing thoughts about paper stack up against reality? Explore three of the top myths surrounding the industry, then learn how much the U.S. forest area has actually increased over the past 60 years.
Ecolabels are big business. In fact, there are over 450 of them in existence today! These logos, which appear on everything from food items to home appliances, help consumers identify environmental or socially preferable products and services. If you've ever wondered what all those little icons you find on your favorite paper products mean, look no further than this cheat sheet from Recyclebank.
Have you ever witnessed sustainable forestry in action? Responsible forest management is incredibly important to healthy and thriving ecosystems, and partial cuts play into the natural cycle. Forester Patrick Cartier of Domtar's Windsor, Québec mill demonstrates how precise harvesting techniques can be used to bring in sunlight and promote new growth.
Domtar's Nekoosa, WI mill is located in the city billed as the "Giant Pumpkin Capital of Wisconsin". Since 1998, the Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest has judged prize-winning gourds - some weighing over 2,000 lbs!
EVERYDAY ECO-TIPS
This Halloween watch out for energy vampires, those energy-draining electronics and appliances that aren't being used but remain plugged in anyway. To kill these money-sucking monsters, which can account for up to 10% of residential electricity use, simply unplug them when not in use or buy a power strip that can be turned off.
