Environmental Reader

by John Hamm

TIMBER | KIMBERLY CLARK | E-POLLUTION | WHALING

Greenpeace Reports:

Illegal Amazon Timber

90% of Brazil's Amazon timber is illegally cut by pirate loggers with violence and corruption. In a five-month undercover operation Greenpeace illegally bought 1,400 cubic feet, turned it into 29 cubic meters of sawed stock and transported it 3000 miles across country to Sao Paulo, where they handed it federal police as criminal evidence. Prime TV even aired the story to 40 million viewers.
find where your supplier gets their wood - even "certified" is probably illegal

Kimberly Clark Campaign

KC clear-cuts ancient forest for paper brands, like Kleenex, which contain no recycled material. KC has responded, but has still not indicated a willingness to stop sourcing ancient forest fiber, but they seem more open to using Forest Stewardship Council certified sources and may be willing to push their suppliers in that direction.
purchase paper products with purpose not coupons - choose recycled content

Whaling

The Japanese announced at 2006's International Whaling Commission their intent to double their quota of "scientific research" kills, though no meaningful scientific data is collected and the whale meat ends up at market.

They are illegally whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, which was internationally established in 1994.

Last year we swam with them, this year they're walking with us.

Japanese ships have been intercepted by Greenpeace at great risk, enduring water cannon, harpoon bow shots and even ramming. Greenpeace has appealed to Nissui, an owner of the fleet and Gorton's, who markets fish sticks.
choose your brands

E-pollution

Electronic waste is a toxic threat, particularly in Southeast Asia, which accepts it for unregulated reprocessing . . . in people's backyards. Greenpeace is campaigning to eliminate toxic materials and PVC plastic in electronics and ACER in China, ranked 4 in the laptop market, is making commitments to phase them out.
visit greenpeace

Uncle Sam wants YOU to reduce your carbon footprint

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Nowadays, we are looking over our shoulders
at our carbon global-warming footprints.

Calculate my carbon footprint

Vacuum your fridge's condenser coils, wash with cold water, travel less, drink tap water, turn off appliances and lights, buy energy saving machines, eat less, avoid harsh cleaning products, pesticides, and chemical use, recycle and reduce consumption … it saves you pounds to tons of CO2. You can count CO2 pounds like calories to reduce. Reducing calories even reduces pounds of CO2. Also, become more intense about recycling. Recycle one aluminum can and save three hours worth of electricity used by your TV.