Feb 02
000

Trees Are Like Corn

By Paige Wills in Facts About Deforestation, Facts About The Paper Industry, How Paper Is Environmentally Friendly, Why Choose Paper?

 
English: Alexandria City, MO, July 9, 1993 -- ...

Image via Wikipedia

Now you may be thinking to yourself, how in the world are trees like corn? I had never thought of trees in this way until I watched this video from International Paper’s website (below).

When we think of trees being cut down, we don’t usually think of them being replanted. However, trees really are like corn. Corn is planted, harvested, and replanted. So are trees.

Corn has many uses including: food for both humans and animals and its used in some bio-fuels. Trees provide us shade, oxygen, and paper. They provide homes for many different kinds of wildlife and they help combat global warming.

According to International Paper’s website, “The trees they plant become forests that help improve air quality, provide clean water and protect soil and wildlife. The demand for paper contributes to landowners planting about 4 million trees in the U.S. every day. When you go paper, you grow trees.”

According to International Paper’s video, tree farms actually preserve green space and nature. Just think what would happen if the demand for paper drastically drops in this electronic age: green space would disappear. Farmers would be forced to sell their land because they would not be able to make enough money. When farmers sell their land, it is usually developers that buy the ground, not other farmers. That once green land is then filled with subdivisions, roads, skyscrapers, and homes. Once a farm becomes developed, the chances of it ever becoming a farm again are slim.

The last thing anyone wants to see if a beautiful farm turns into a subdivision. I know we did not want to see my grandmother’s farm turn into subdivisions when we sold it. She probably would have rolled over in her grave if that happened. Luckily, someone bought and preserved the farm.

I think comparing trees to renewable crops or fruit gives people a different viewpoint when it comes to cutting down trees. I believe the comparison “Trees are like corn,” or “Trees are like fruit,” makes it easier to understand. The paper that comes from these trees, like corn comes from the stalk, is a renewable resource.

Check out the interesting video below from International Paper’s website. Share your thoughts.

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Jan 21
001

The Claim “Going Paperless Saves Trees” is Misleading

By Paige Wills in Facts About Deforestation, Facts About The Paper Industry, How Paper Is Environmentally Friendly, Why Choose Paper?

 
English: A stack of copy paper.

Image via Wikipedia

A lot of companies are “going green” by telling customers to go paperless. They make statements that it helps the earth and saves trees all the while keeping your information safe.

According to twosides.us, the statement that going paperless saves trees is misleading. “The message that “going paperless saves trees” is misleading because it links paper to deforestation, i.e. the permanent removal of forest. In the United States, however, the paper industry encourages and depends on sustainable forest management practices that regenerate billions of trees annually.”

On the other hand, how many times do you hear on the news someone hacked a company’s system and your private information was compromised. I know I have received this e-mail at least once. This means I have to change all of my passwords, and I usually delete that company from my mailing list.

Companies make claims that our information is “safe.” Now I don’t argue with the fact hacks don’t happen all of the time. However, anytime you store customer information in a central location, it makes the job easy for hackers.

Just imagine if “hackers” had to drive around to everyone’s mailbox and physically take the mail from the mailbox. They wouldn’t get as much “good” information, and they would have to risk being caught red-handed. I guess they could steal an entire post office mailbox, but that is risky as well, and there is no guarantee of what they will find inside.

Also, if you think about it, companies are pushing printing costs onto the consumer. Some companies now charge customers a monthly fee for paper statements. According to twosides.us, “…according to ESP Consulting, telecommunications companies can expect to save 45 percent per bill, while credit card companies save 37 percent when a paper bill is converted to an e-bill.” Instead of sending you a printed statement, they send you an e-statement. You can then print that off using your own ink and paper.

I don’t know about you, but I still think paper statements, bills, and letters are the way to go. What about you?

For more information about myths and facts, check out www.twosides.us.

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Dec 16
000

Real vs. Artificial Trees: Which Are More Environmentally-Friendly?

By Paige Wills in Facts About Deforestation

 
Christmas tree

Image via Wikipedia

         In my last post, I discussed some fun facts about Christmas trees. However, afterwards, I started thinking. Which type of Christmas tree, real or artificial, is more environmentally-friendly?

           My family has always used an artificial Christmas tree. My parents have only had two artificial trees in 30 years. That is a long time, and I must say, the tree still looks great! I anticipate they will have this tree for many more years to come.

           On the other hand, real trees only last a month or so. They have to be watered and the pine needles have to be vacuumed. They seem like a lot more maintenance. However, I have never had a real Christmas tree, so I’m not sure on how much upkeep they require.

          Then again, I have heard nothing compares to the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree. The aroma is subtle and refreshing. I can assure you our artificial Christmas tree has no such aroma.

           Of course, real trees are renewable, recyclable resources. However, artificial trees last a long time. Also, I don’t know many people that simply throw away an artificial tree unless it is broken. Many people often donate artificial trees to thrift stores or charities.

          In the long run, I think artificial trees are a cheaper alternative. However, nothing compares to a real Christmas tree during the holidays. I think real trees probably will only set you back around the cost of a tank of gas nowadays. Also, buying real Christmas trees support local farmers instead of major corporations.

          As for which type of tree is better for the environment, I’m torn. Both types of trees are environmentally-friendly in some aspects. Artificial trees are made to last many years while real trees only last a couple of months. On the other hand, real trees can be recycled. Even if a real tree is thrown away, it will not hurt the environment. Also, new trees are usually planted to replace the ones that are cut down.

         What do you think? Are artificial or real Christmas trees more environmentally-friendly?

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Dec 15
001

Fun Facts about Christmas Trees

By Paige Wills in Facts About Deforestation, Facts About The Paper Industry, How Paper Is Environmentally Friendly

 
English: Christmas tree farm near Redland, Ore...

Image via Wikipedia

          By now, I’d say most of you already have your Christmas tree. However, there are probably a few that haven’t had a chance to purchase one. With the holiday fast approaching, I thought it would be interesting to share some fun facts about Christmas trees.

            According to the National Christmas Tree Association’s website:

  • Every year, approximately 25-30 million Christmas trees are sold in the U.S.
  • Approximately 350 million Christmas trees, all planted by farmers, are growing on U.S. farms.
  • Around 15,000 farms grow Christmas trees in the U.S.
    • Nearly 100,000 people are employed full or part time in the industry
  • In the U.S., there are about 350,000 acres in production for Christmas trees.

          Real trees are environmentally-friendly. All real Christmas trees can be recycled. Unlike artificial trees, if it is not recycled, the tree will not hurt the Earth.

          According to the National Christmas Tree Association’s website:

  • In the U.S., there are more than 4,000 local Christmas tree recycling programs
  • For every real Christmas tree that is harvested, one to three seedlings are planted.
  • Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastic and possible toxins that hurt the Earth.

          What is your Christmas tree tradition? Do you usually buy a Christmas tree from a store, cut it down as a family, or do you use an artificial tree?

           For more interesting statistics and figures on Christmas trees, check out the National Christmas Tree Association’s website.

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Dec 13
001

Fun Facts about the White House & Rockefeller Center Christmas Trees

By Paige Wills in Facts About Deforestation, Facts About The Paper Industry, How Paper Is Environmentally Friendly

 
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New Y...

Image via Wikipedia

          Many of us know about the Christmas trees that are placed in the White House and Rockefeller Center. However, many of us may not know the history or some fun and interesting facts about the trees.

            Here are some fun facts about the White House Christmas tree from christmastree.org:

  • The tree is a 19-foot balsam fir
  • It was grown on a farm near Neshkoro, Wisconsin
  • It was planted 18 years ago
  • The tree was hand-selected by the White House Superintendent of Grounds
  • It is located in the Blue Room
  • Nearly 100,000 visitors will see the tree
  • The  tree’s farm had to qualify for the national contest by first winning state and regional competitions

         Another tree icon during the holiday season is the giant Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.    

          Here are some fun facts about the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree from rockefellercenter.com:

  • The tree is generally a Norway Spruce
  • It is illuminated by 30,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights, which  is approximately 5 miles of wire
  • The tree is topped with a Swarovski crystal

          Here are some more fun facts from nyctourist.com:

  • The tree is recycled each year
  • Approximately 3 tons of mulch is donated to the Boy Scouts of America
  • A large portion of the trunk is donated to the United States Equestrian Team, and it is used as a jumping obstacle.

         According to about.com:

  • The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has to be a minimum of 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide.
  • It is usually 50 years or older
  • The farthest the tree has ever traveled is from Canada
  • The tree travels in the middle of the night with a full police escort.

          It’s nice to know these trees are appreciated in our society. I mean the tree gets a police escort! It’s also nice to know that environmentally-friendly lights are used and that the trees are recycled instead of simply being thrown away.

         Although I do enjoy the large Christmas trees, it is sort of bitter sweet. If you think of how many years it took the tree to reach that size, it bothers me that we just cut it down for our own enjoyment. On the other hand, I do believe the trees help bring our country together are a symbols that everyone can appreciate and enjoy.

         What are your thoughts? Does the recycling of the tree justify it being cut down? Have you ever seen either one of these trees up close in person? Do you think we should and will continue the tradition?

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