Forest Facts: The Truths About Deforestation

Submitted: Two Sides North America January 26, 2026

We’ve all heard the term “deforestation,” but what does it really mean? 

Deforestation is a term sometimes used when people talk about the paper industry, but the truth is, modern foresters focus on the opposite of deforestation. Read more to discover what deforestation is and isn’t, and paper’s role.  

Deforestation is often caused by land development

A common mistake people make is confusing “deforestation” and “forest loss.” Deforestation happens when a forest is intentionally and permanently destroyed, usually as part of conversion to agricultural use or other land development. Forest loss is when trees are destroyed by wildfires, disease, or insects. The paper industry’s business model depends on continued replanting for healthy forests.  

Paper relies on forest regeneration

Paper is one of the few products made from a renewable natural resource with a circular life cycle. Forest area in the United States increased by approximately 10 million acres between 2000 and 2025. Unlike the chief causes of deforestation—agriculture, mining, drilling, and urban development—responsibly managed, continually regenerated working forests are essential to the paper industry.    

More paper product consumption = less deforestation

It may seem counterintuitive, but the areas that consume the most paper products have the least amount of deforestation. The paper industry relies on forest regeneration for economic stability; it’s a strong incentive for landowners to keep their land forested and sustainably managed. Almost 90% of wood harvested in the U.S. comes from privately owned and managed land. When you choose sustainably grown paper products, you actually help support healthy forest management and regeneration.   

Deforestation isn’t an issue in the U.S.

Unlike other areas around the world, forest and woodlands now comprise over one-third of the U.S. landscape, and have more forestland now than at any time within the past 50 years. That’s by design: Today’s forest industries know that caring for the land supports their bottom line. And? While 67% of U.S. forestland is available, less than 2% is harvested, and most of that is used to produce wood products such as lumber. Just a fraction of harvested forestland goes to make paper and paper products.   

Experts agree–paper plays a role in healthy forests

Paper companies are active participants in responsible forestry and support sustainable forest management. “Responsible pulp and paper operations can bring many benefits to forests, local economies and people, particularly in rural areas,” according to the World Wildlife Fund, the leading organization in wildlife conservation.  

What Can You Do?

At Two Sides North America, our mission is to inform and educate when it comes to the sustainability and effectiveness of paper. While deforestation has greatly decreased in the past 30 years, there are still things you can do to help protect U.S. forests. As the World Wildlife Fund states, “U.S. consumers can also play a key role in driving responsible forestry through their paper choices.” Choosing paper products actively supports forest health. When you also recycle those products, you’re a part of the regenerative cycle that will keep our land vibrant, resilient, and sustained.   

• Shop Sustainably: Reduce your consumption of byproducts of deforestation and choose paper products from responsibly managed forests.  

• Support Regeneration & Recycling: Limit the amount of paper products in our landfills by placing them back in the cycle.     

• Raise Awareness: Educate your communities and social networks about the true causes of deforestation and how they can help.  

Want to learn more facts? Visit Two Sides North America

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