How Another Corporation Has Chosen The Green Route

I hear it all the time. Whenever I talk to people about environmental issues they often shrug their shoulders. "What can I do?", they say. Well, there is a lot that you can do. I have heard it said that we are actually more afraid of our own power than of our powerlessness. For example, Kimberly-Clarke, the worlds largest manufacturer of tissue products and maker of the Kleenex brand have agreed to officially change their policy on the sustainable management of Canada's Boreal forest. Before now, Kimberly-Clarke had been targeted as a big earth-offender by Greenpeace Canada who claimed they were flushing the Boreal forest down the drain by using only virgin trees for their toilet paper and facial tissue products. Before their policy shifft, Greenpeace had asked its followers not to use Kleenex, Cottonelle or any other products made by Kimberly-Clarke.

On August 5th, Richard Brooks, Greenpeace Canada's forest campaigner spoke at a news conference saying, "Today, ancient forest like the boreal forest have won, this achievement today belongs to the thousands of people who supported the campaign. It would not have been possible without this support."

Kimberly-Clarke will now be using 100% environmentally responsible for their paper products, including 40% recycled fibers. This will put pressure on their other large competitors to follow their sustainable lead.

Don't underestimate the power of protest. We are talking about one of the worlds largest corporations here. This has the potential to fundamentally shift the global forest products industry! How was this achieved? By people like you and me writing letters and holding protests aimed at Kimberly-Clarke. At the same news conference mentioned above Greenpeace announced the official end of their five year 'Kleercut' campaign that focused international pressure on the company and it's products. Wow. This is just the beginning. In today's digital world, this kind of public pressure has become so much easier. You can send a thank you email to Kimberly-Clarkes CEO.

Now, when you blow your nose, you can feel just a tiny weeny bit better.

By John Wojewoda

Image courtesy of Greenpeace USA