K L E E R C U T . N E T Wiping away ancient forests

Richard Brooks first battled chainsaw-wielding tree-cutters at age 9 when he stood in front of his family's old willow tree and begged his parents not to let it be chopped down -- it was, after all, perfect for making "Star Wars" light sabers. In the years since, Brooks has studied forestry and joined Greenpeace Canada, where he works as a forest campaigner motivating activists and negotiating with corporations to prevent the demise of ancient forests. He describes the tools he uses (no light sabers involved), why he hates greenwashing, the impact of a crayon-scrawled letter, and more in InterActivist, today on the Grist Magazine website.

Greenpeace, with the help of some dedicated supporters, has put together an online guide to many of the Canadian stores that stock ancient forest friendly tissue products. You can search by postal code to find where you can buy products in your neighbourhood that don't contribute to the destruction of ancient forests.

The following is a point by point response to Kimberly-Clark's letter to activists and supporters who have taken action by sending emails or faxes.

• Kimberly-Clark CLAIMS TO BE COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY.

Our Answer: This claim would be commendable if it were, in fact, true. Unfortunately, logging companies continue to clearcut intact and ecologically important boreal forests in Ontario and Alberta to supply Kimberly-Clark with fiber for its tissue products including Kleenex brand products. If Kimberly-Clark were committed to sustainable forestry, auditors would not have discovered in November 2000 that over 1 million cubic metres of trees had been cut and left to rot on the side of logging roads. If Kimberly-Clark were committed to sustainable forestry, it would not purchase pulp from the Alberta-based logging company Weldwood that continues to log in the habitat of the threatened woodland caribou, a species at risk of extinction.

Calling on the maker of well-known tissue paper brand Kleenex to stop destroying ancient forests, Greenpeace Canada today launched an international brand damage campaign against Kimberly-Clark, and its Kleenex brand, for its role in destroying Canada’s ancient Boreal forest. The launch took place in Canada’s three largest metropolitan centers, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, with a mobile Kleercut “tissue box truck” full of activists. The activists handed out thousands of leaflets and stickers, printed on 100% recycled paper, informing consumers about Kimberly-Clark’s environmental record.

Click here for photos from the Toronto event.