Have you ever slowed down, looked around, and thought about how often you interact with forest products -- every day? OK, you can probably guess why I have, since I grew up near a paper mill in the Pacific Northwest and am a big fan of the breadth of sustainably produced paper products that exist today. And yes, in full disclosure I am lucky enough to have that as part of my job too. But, I also benefit from getting curious about the role of paper in the life of my family.
Even I was amazed at the variety – here is a sampling: Early morning? That would be with a box of tea, and soon after the filter for our morning coffee. Then there are cereal boxes at breakfast, and newspapers to read (yes, in our house we all read actual newspapers). I’m also a big fan of notebooks and printing out a daily paper schedule (the better to track my follow up items), and at some point during the day shipping boxes and paper padded mailers deliver an item (OK many) to home or office.
With fall allergies we have tissue products conveniently staged everywhere. During the day when I need a quick break, I often return with a paper cup in hand filled with a hot beverage. Now, if it’s Friday that means pizza, so there is at least one large pizza box coming in the door, and then a few hours later that box is right back outside in the recycling bin. End of the day? I close it out by reading a good book.
Yes, my day was filled with paper and wood products! And, American Forest & Paper Association members produce essential, sustainable products made from renewable and recyclable resources that are used every day by millions of Americans. Like you and me.
The hardworking people of our industry are using new technologies, research and innovation to advance a sustainable future. Our industry is working to capture even more paper from the waste stream for recycling and turn that into new products.
That’s why I hope you will join me in celebrating National #ForestProductsWeek all week long. Let’s celebrate the people who make these products, the dedicated employees who create these essential products we all rely on.
Partner in Innovative Box Solutions - IP Account Manager
2moSuch a cool plant Ethan! I hope you were able to celebrate ... if not last year, this year!!