Weyerhaeuser Illegally Logging in Canada
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 07.19.05
A bit of sad news. We try to leave most of that to others, but sometimes when regular citizens and good organizations do investigative work to uncover some evil done on nature, we can't help but lend them a hand to help expose the problem and denounce the guilty party. In this case, Weyerhaeuser is in the spotlight. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society, the Rainforest Action Network and locals citizens of Saskatchewan have found out that the company is logging illegally in the Canadian Boreal forest to make plywood and copy paper (for Xerox and other US corporations). "Saskatchewan: The Province of Weyerhaeuser" is the case study. "Most people associate illegal logging with endangered forests in South America, Southeast Asia and Central Africa and are shocked to learn that it is going on in their own back yard right here in North America," said Brant Olson of Rainforest Action Network. If you live in Saskatchewan, it might be a good idea to tell your MP about this.
::Case Study, ::Saskatchewan Environmental Society, ::Rainforest Action Network
If Weyerhaeuser is doing this in Saskatchewan, what's to say they aren't doing this elsewhere in North America? What can people outside the province of SK do to help? THey happen to be one of the largest logging etc, companies -- anyone who goes to the HOme Depot (Rona, Lowes) will come into contact with their products --
This story needs corroboration. In the meantime have a look at their website. See if they have a policy statement on sustainable forestry practices. If so send a polite question regarding the story and see what they do in response.
I agree with John. This needs some investigative citizenry. But whose to know whether their "sustainable" forest plan is the real deal? There is so much greenwashing out there. I understand that the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) is an industry-created certification group. That being said, its a total hoax that has no outside or third-parties validating their forest practices, which to me is pretty weak. The way to go is with FSC...if you're buying lumber for your home and are willing to step it up when it comes to supporting business ethics, look for FSC.
For corroboration of the story check out the case study online and see the video testimony of local people (www.ran.org/weyerhaeuser). All the documents are available as PDFs, see for yourself.
If you want to do something about it you can write a letter at: http://action.ran.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=27144
Even better, adopt a local retailer that is selling Weyerhaeuser products in your community and convince them to cancel their contract until Weyerhaeuser cleans up their act. For more ideas go to:
http://www.wakeupweyco.com/about_xerox/
THe issue is much larger than one company's practices of course. Entire supply chains and many product lines are involved. Clearbutting the boreal forest at these rates is serious. Much is soldto US buyers, and forest products are big sources of Canadian export revenues. THe Canadian people need to have some dialog with their government about sustainability. So far lots of talk, little walk.
What's really odd is that for years Wm Ruckelshaus was on Weyerhauser's Board. He may still be and He is no shill. The accusation of illegality versus claims that the harvest is unsustainable or objectionable needs to carefully weighed. This is a Canadian governance issue. We need to hear from them.