Paper Chase – Misinformation about paper destroying forests, and claims that going paperless saves trees, often leads to false impressions that forests are a declining finite resource.
In truth, North American forests are a renewable resource that is continuously replenished using sustainable forest management policies and practices supported through purchase of certified wood fiber and promotion of responsible forest management by the paper companies. Through these efforts and others, U.S. forests have in fact been increasing for decades.
Interestingly, just as paper is not destroying forests, the preference for print on paper is not diminishing either as revealed last year in a survey across five nations including the United States. Reasons identified included ease of reading, tactile experience, and lack of internet access. Findings were linked to studies showing a much more emotional and meaningful connection when reading on paper versus screens.
Bottom line: Paper production provides a dependable market for wood fiber while encouraging landowners to manage their forestland maintaining North American forest growth instead of selling it for development or other non-forest uses.
For more information on how Bird & Crawford Forestry can help you set and reach your land management goals, visit: http://www.birdandcrawford.com
