Google Earth now reveals damage caused by the paper industry
Google Maps now reveals damage caused by the paper industry
mongabay.com
August 12, 2008
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A new web site uses Google Earth and Google Maps to provide information on the pulp and paper industry.
The site, Pulpwatch.org, allows users to get information on pulp mills around the world. The site includes a rating system for individual mill operations based on whether it is certified by environmental bodies, has adopted sustainability standards, or has conflicts with local communities. Pulpwatch.org assigns a Red, Yellow, or Green rating for environmental performance based on conservation criteria laid down in the Common Vision for Transforming the Paper Industry and other sources. Pulp mills which have adopted the cleanest technologies and source their fiber responsibly are rewarded with a Green Light rating. Pulp mills which have poor performance are given a Red Light rating. Presently most operations on the Pulpwatch.org map are red.
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“Knowing what’s in your paper is critically important and this application of GoogleMaps is a powerful way to give paper purchasers the chance to make an informed, responsible choice,” said Joshua Martin, Network Coordinator, Environmental Paper Network.
“PulpWatch.org will drive change in an industry with a huge impact worldwide. We will continue to update data on the site, and provide greater details about mills and Endangered Forests,” said Jim Ford, a Senior Researcher with the Borealis Centre for Environment and Trade Research, one of the backers of the initiative.
As You Sow, Conservatree, Co-Op America, Dogwood Alliance, ForestEthics, Green Press Initiative, Markets Initiative, National Wildlife Federation, National Resources Council of Maine, and the Rainforest Action Network are also part of the Environmental Paper Network steering committee.