When you read on paper, think of well-managed forests

Submitted: The Two Sides Team January 30, 2012

January 30, 2012

There is good news coming from our recent Two Sides U.S. consumer survey on the environmental perceptions of print and paper. Paper is still the preferred information medium for reading for Americans of all ages. In fact, 70% of respondents prefer reading from paper, including 69% of 18 to 24 year olds. Most of those surveyed also believe that paper records are more sustainable than electronic record storage (68 percent) and that paper is more pleasant to handle and touch than other media (67 percent).

Unfortunately, paper is seen as an environmentally unfriendly way to read because there are lots of misconceptions about its sustainability. The survey showed that 71% of respondents believe that there is a connection between paper manufacture and loss of tropical rainforest (85% of 18-24 year olds). Overall, 69% are concerned about paper’s effect on all forests (76% of 18-24 year olds). Most people still equate paper with forest destruction, instead of sustainable forest management.

Two Sides is helping set the record straight:

Paper is not a cause of deforestation in the U.S.

Deforestation in the U.S. is caused by development.

The main cause of global deforestation is agriculture.

In the U.S., paper production helps promote sustainable forest management.

In the Myths and Facts section of the Two Side U.S. website, you’ll find pages of facts to support these statements, all from well-know, authoritative sources with links to original source documents. I encourage you to take a look. And if you have additional facts to add, let us know! Working together, we can correct the misperceptions and let people know that Print and Paper have a Great Environmental Story to tell!

Phil Riebel

President and COO, Two Sides U.S., Inc.