Spring Break
Column: The truth about 'killing trees'
Doug Graham/Columnist
Issue date: 3/11/09 Section: Opinions
I'm all for conservation, but something I value more than the protection of America's forests is the truth: The phrase "killing trees" is misused by the misinformed masses who think they are saving the forests, but are really merely broadcasting their ignorance of the way American paper products are produced.
The concept of "killing trees" is repeated so often that the thought of it being rooted in fiction is difficult for many to understand.
The average American understands paper comes from trees and in order for paper to be produced, it is necessary for a tree to be cut down. So far, the thought process is completely true.
Unfortunately, it is here the truth is obstructed by footage we've seen on the news. Images of large yellow trucks tearing down beautiful, virgin trees or protesters chaining themselves to a particularly old trees have led many to think that it is common practice for timber companies to acquire lumber in socially questionable ways.
Fortunately, the American timber industry does not rely on already existing trees as material for their products. No matter how many times stock footage of men with chainsaws stealing another of God's shady gifts from the earth is broadcasted on the news, it doesn't change the fact that the vast majority of trees used in product production come from tree farms.
A tree farm is exactly what it sounds like: A piece of land is selected for trees to be planted on where they will grow until they are ready to be harvested.
When put in those simple terms it is difficult to believe that people can still go around comparing the use of paper products to murder.
If people applied the same aggressive vocabulary when discussing someone's consumption of any other product it would sound ridiculous.
Would you accuse someone who goes back to the salad bar for another bowl of salad of being a "lettuce killer"? If your friend decided to get a small order of fries instead of the large, would you pat them on the back and congratulate them for "saving potatoes"?
Another misconception strongly tied to this one is the idea that our overuse of paper products has drained our national tree supply.
Anyone who understands supply and demand could tell you where the logic fails. Industry strives to meet the demands of the consumers. If there was a sudden increase in demand for paper products, the industry would merely increase its production by planting more trees for harvest.
And that is what has happened. The amount of trees in this country has tripled since 1920.
Although it may not sound as dramatic, when you make strides to avoid using paper you are not saving a tree from its premature death, you are being efficient, and though that may not sound as cool, it is the truth.
Doug Graham is a freshman journalism major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
The concept of "killing trees" is repeated so often that the thought of it being rooted in fiction is difficult for many to understand.
The average American understands paper comes from trees and in order for paper to be produced, it is necessary for a tree to be cut down. So far, the thought process is completely true.
Unfortunately, it is here the truth is obstructed by footage we've seen on the news. Images of large yellow trucks tearing down beautiful, virgin trees or protesters chaining themselves to a particularly old trees have led many to think that it is common practice for timber companies to acquire lumber in socially questionable ways.
Fortunately, the American timber industry does not rely on already existing trees as material for their products. No matter how many times stock footage of men with chainsaws stealing another of God's shady gifts from the earth is broadcasted on the news, it doesn't change the fact that the vast majority of trees used in product production come from tree farms.
A tree farm is exactly what it sounds like: A piece of land is selected for trees to be planted on where they will grow until they are ready to be harvested.
When put in those simple terms it is difficult to believe that people can still go around comparing the use of paper products to murder.
If people applied the same aggressive vocabulary when discussing someone's consumption of any other product it would sound ridiculous.
Would you accuse someone who goes back to the salad bar for another bowl of salad of being a "lettuce killer"? If your friend decided to get a small order of fries instead of the large, would you pat them on the back and congratulate them for "saving potatoes"?
Another misconception strongly tied to this one is the idea that our overuse of paper products has drained our national tree supply.
Anyone who understands supply and demand could tell you where the logic fails. Industry strives to meet the demands of the consumers. If there was a sudden increase in demand for paper products, the industry would merely increase its production by planting more trees for harvest.
And that is what has happened. The amount of trees in this country has tripled since 1920.
Although it may not sound as dramatic, when you make strides to avoid using paper you are not saving a tree from its premature death, you are being efficient, and though that may not sound as cool, it is the truth.
Doug Graham is a freshman journalism major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Larry Wiseman
posted 3/11/09 @ 11:04 AM CST
Refreshing, and accurate. If you walk through the woods of New England, for example, and chance to look down, you'll see the remains of stone walls that transected the old farms. (Continued…)
LYOPHILIZATION
LEE GROTHE
posted 3/12/09 @ 3:24 AM CST
GREAT ARTICLE! ONE ADDITIONAL TIDBIT! THERE IS MORE HARVESTABLE TIMBER TODAY IN AMERICA THAN THERE WAS 200 YEARS AGO. TREES ARE TRULY OUR RENEWABLE RESOURCE!
LEE GROTHE
jb
posted 3/12/09 @ 9:27 PM CST
If only all paper products sold here were made in America by these socially and environmentally conscious souls. But, they aren't.
Eric Frei
posted 3/14/09 @ 12:48 AM CST
The article is incorrect and poorly researched.
Whilst some may want to cling to a glimmer of hope that all is well with forestry, trees and products that is far from the case. (Continued…)
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