I’m always on the look out for good news regarding the preservation of the planet. There’s so much bad that it can become a bit depressing/overwhelming, so when I heard that Disney, one of the largest children’s book publishers in the world, has decided to use only responsibly harvested paper, I was thrilled. It’s the mega corporations that can really make a difference. That being said, I think it’s the responsibility of every consumer, to buy eco-friendly products whenever possible, because we vote with our dollars. Each time I reach for a pack of toilet rolls that is made from post-consumer content, despite having to pay a bit extra, I know that my purchase gives me a vote – a vote to do the right thing.
Disney’s new policy came about after a couple of years of negotiations with The Rainforest Action Network. Their new policy tells the world that it’s vitally important to try to protect the Indonesian Rainforests. Disney will no longer be sourcing their paper from the 3 primary Asian Paper companies. Indonesia is the third largest greenhouse gas emitter because of the massive rate of deforestation largely by these 3 companies. Their CO2 emissions rival that of even industrial fossil fuel combustion.
Disney is committed to using less paper, using more post-consumer content, and sourcing from Forest Stewardship Council-certified operations.
I’ve always believed that change begins from both the top and the bottom. If you ever think that little old you, going to the store to buy recycled paper towels won’t really make a difference, think again. There are now thousands of little old me and yous – just look at the grocery store shelves. They wouldn’t be filling them with recycled paper goods if there wasn’t an increasing demand.
You can now find recycled paper towels, napkins and toilet roll at Krogers/Ralphs, Safeway/Vons, Trader Joe’s, Wholefoods, and many more. I’m just waiting for Target to get on board.
Tip: Better than paper towels, which are admittedly hard to live without, try this amazing bamboo paper towel called Bambooee. Each sheet lasts for a week, and it’s highly absorbent.
Love this post Sophie! Thank you for the good news and encouragement. I hope Disney follows suit in thinking about sustainability in some of their other products, like the PVC backpacks and lunch boxes. Ick.