Combatting deforestation is perhaps the best defense against the dangerous effects of
climate change.
To this end, many people seek to restrict their use of paper products to keep forests
around the world thriving.
As well intentioned as these actions are, they might be having the opposite effect when
it comes to encouraging new tree growth.
“New trees must be planted on a regular basis
to promote optimal carbon uptake while also
producing a large amount of oxygen.”
More Than Just Preservation
Maintaining healthy forestland is a complex problem that involves more than just preserving
existing trees.
New trees must be planted on a regular basis to promote optimal carbon uptake while also producing
a large amount of oxygen.
Forests composed of older trees are far less capable of these goals, with new growth resulting in as
much as 4,280 pounds of oxygen on a yearly basis.
With much of the forestland in the United States privately owned, earning a steady income from tree
farms is a major factor in more trees being planted.
Without this income, owners may choose to cut and run (i.e. harvesting the land’s existing growth
before selling it off to be used for another purpose).
Fewer people purchasing paper products results in a decreased income for farmers, which then
results in fewer trees being planted.
“With much of the forestland in the United States
privately owned, earning a steady income
from tree farms is a major factor in
more trees being planted.”
Monetizing Reforestation
In contrast to the above, consumers using paper products in a responsible manner while also
undertaking other methods of environmental preservation can actually positively impact
the environment.
The paper and lumber industries plant approximately 1.7 million trees daily, which has resulted
in a 12-million-acre increase of forestland within the US.
This increase would not have been possible without the monetary incentive afforded to paper
producers.
Some businesses are taking it even further by creating new methods for how these goods
are produced.
For instance, using lumber runoff such as wood chips in paper production is a great use of
a waste material.
It also encourages future tree growth due to the value of trees used for lumber being much
higher than those used for paper production.
Tree farmers are more than willing to plant an abundance of new trees, provided the financial
incentive is there.
“Using paper products in a responsible
manner and supporting those businesses
that take reforestation seriously can have a
lasting positive impact on the environment.”
Fighting Climate Change One Tree at a Time
Innovative thinking has paved the way for modern environmentalism, which only proves
how important it is to take a thoughtful approach to preservation.
While it may seem counterproductive at first glance, using paper products in a responsible
manner and supporting those businesses that take reforestation seriously can have a lasting
positive impact on the environment.
What do you think about the concept of using paper products in a responsible way
to help support forests and the environment?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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