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| Get Involved >> Kimberly Clark |
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I’m sure most of us know by now, have done something about it, tried to, or just ignored it completely. It’ll sort itself out, or does it really matter? The fact of the matter is, no (it won’t sort itself out, it’ll only disappear from your eyes) and yes (it really matters). I’m talking about Kimberly-Clark, the tissue giant of the world (the almighty tissue monster? Really, how many people say “can I have a kleenex?” over “Can I have a tissue?”) Is, indeed, guilty of destroying the Boreal Forest. Of course, the question on everyone’s mind is, will it stop? Will me boycotting these products make much of a difference? Won’t they still make the same amount and place it on the shelves for others to buy? Personally, I doubt it will stop, maybe one day, but I don’t see it happening soon. One day is a lot better than no day. It’ll take some time, but the “green” trend is rising (more on that later). Let’s face it, though. These products are cheaper to make, they’re (usually) cheaper to buy, and these are generally the ones that will go on sale more frequently. The average consumer will get the cheaper one. It’s hard to completely disregard these products all together. Sure, you might be able to personally not buy them, and tell all your friends not to, but are you going to check to see every time you go to place your nose? Does that even matter? You’re not buying it, so you’re not financially responsible, but you just took one, that’s one less in the box. One closer to purchasing a new box. Are you going to push people to change their tissue choice? Play the guilt card with statistics of how many caribou die or how the ancient forests are creeping away? Most people, simply won’t care. 
I view it as a personal decision that won’t really make a difference in the end, if it does then even the better. But, some people are fanatical and I think that’s what drives a lot of people away. No one wants a bunch of “crazy people” yelling in their general direction about climate change, the poor wildlife, and, of course, the actual symbolism behind the trees themselves (just look at how long it takes for a tree to become ancient, that’s pretty important by itself). It makes the entire problem look like nothing at all, like it’s just a bunch of idealistic kids (adults included). It makes it look sloppy. Like every time something doesn’t quite go people’s way they make a big deal out of nothing, even if it isn’t nothing this time. Crying wolf. Don’t get me wrong, I love the amount of enthusiasm, and am all for this, but it doesn’t translate well to those who don’t quite know what’s going on, or don’t care to know. Recently, there’s a (growing) demand from consumers to buy “green” and environmentally safe products. A fair amount are looking towards better alternatives. The more people that join in on this demand, the more green products there are, the more education on this. The “green” market is a growing one. More investors are joining everyday. More companies are saying “yes” to protecting ancient forests. And with the Boreal being 25% of the world’s ancient forests, is only helping the matter. This is a large shift, a starting of a greater shift, that will help in gaining major results. So, make a personal decision of your own on this matter. Here are some things to help you out along your way. Here are some points to keep in mind: • The ancient forests being destroyed have been around for thousands of years, the trees that are being cut down are roughly 100 years old. Kimberly Clark products, do however use some recycled fibres, just under 20% in fact. But the rest is made from virgin fibres of forests, and they seem to be quite happy about this, all the while declaring they’re environmental. • They’re disposable, in a lot of cities, you’ll be able to recycle these properly. But there are still quite a few where there is no specified recycling plan for this. • The destruction of these forests is making climate change a tougher battle to fight. • The poor wildlife that has no where to go. • There are plenty of recycled fibre products sold in stores. What you can do: • Buy reusable, or ancient forest friendly tissue products. The Greenpeace Shopper’s Guide to Ancient Forest Friendly Tissue Products • Get active in your community on this matter, become a kleercut activist. Download an action pack and start educating. • If you don't have a lot of time to donate, download some fliers, stickers, posters, reports and fact sheets and distribute at your leisure. • Drop a link onto your website, blog, or whatever to spread the word almost effortlessly. |