& what you CAN do
The (so-called) Sustainable Forestry Initiative has updated its suite of standards for the certification of forests and forest products, replacing the 2015-2019 standards with versions that go into effect in 2022. In releasing the revised standards, the SFI claims to have made major enhancements in critical areas like climate and biodiversity. Sierra Club has conducted an in-depth analysis of the changes, however, and finds that by and large they amount to the
• Overview
The SFI’s new standards are essentially the same as the old ones. They continue to allow business-as-usual (BAU) industrial logging and pass it off as “sustainable,” including landscape-level clearcutting, the replacement of rich natural forests with monoculture tree farms, and the use of harmful chemicals.
This is why Sierra Club says DON’T BUY THE SFI! Here’s what we recommend instead…
What Can You Do? Take action for forests through thoughtful consumption
All of us, as consumers, can play a role in protecting forests.
Of course, the first step is to reduce and reuse. But sometimes that’s not an option.
Recycled paper is always a good option for any paper product. Look for labels showing a high post-consumer content. Canopy’s EcoPaper Database is a great place to identify the good options. epd.canopyplanet.org The Environmental Paper Network also has a wealth of useful information. environmentalpaper.org
The Natural Resources Defense Council’s 2021 Issue with Tissue Scorecard can help consumers choose toilet paper, paper towel, and tissue products that have not been created with irresponsibly-logged forests materials.
Another responsible choice is reclaimed wood. Depending on your need, you may be able to reuse wood salvaged from old buildings, water tanks, bridges and other structures. Best to search “reclaimed wood near me” to find an available source. And sites like thisoldhouse.com have guides about what to look for and how to use reclaimed wood with some stunning results.
When using wood or paper products made from virgin material, choose FSC. You can support improved forest management by buying wood and paper products that carry the FSC label.
To find FSC-certified products:
• onesimpleaction.org
• buildwithfsc.org
> LEARN MORE ABOUT FSC
What Else Can You Do?
Check out your local Sierra Club chapter to see what local projects or issues are surrounding forest protection. Get involved!
To learn about Sierra Club’s campaigns to protect lands, air, water and wildlife: www.sierraclub.org/lands-air-water-wildlife