Frequently Asked Questions about the Guide
What tissue products are covered in the Shopper�s Guide? | Why aren�t paper plates and bowls in the Shopper�s Guide? | What is Forest Stewardship Council and how is it relevant to this Guide? | How did you gather the information for this Guide? | All my tissue products have recycled symbols on them, does that mean they are OK? | How do I get a print version of the Guide? | What are some sustainable alternatives?
What tissue products are covered in the Shopper�s Guide?Toilet paper, facial tissue, paper towels and napkins are listed in the guide. There are approximately 150 products listed with more be added every week.Why aren�t paper plates and bowls in the Shopper�s Guide?There are plans to release an expanded Shopper�s Guide for Forest Products in the future. For now we wanted to focus on products that people use a daily basis. back to topWhat is Forest Stewardship Council and how is it relevant to this Guide?Products or pulp certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) have been given an environmental stamp of approval. FSC certification is the only guarantee of sustainably managed forests. The FSC certification system is an independent auditor of forests and is the only certification system currently supported by Greenpeace Canada. back to topHow did you gather the information for this Guide?The information in this guide comes primarily from direct communications between Greenpeace and the manufacturers of disposable tissue products. Manufacturers were asked to audit their supplies and guarantee in writing that their products were ancient forest friendly. At minimum, we asked manufacturers if they were willing to commit to a corporate policy that would utilise only recycled or sustainably produced fibre for their products in future. Greenpeace volunteers also visited grocery, corner and health food store visits across the country to gather information on exactly what products are being sold to consumers. This information has been compiled in this reader-friendly print version of the Shopper�s Guide and this online version. back to topAll my tissue products have recycled symbols on them, does that mean they are OK?Recycled symbols on the packaging of disposable tissue products can be confusing. Sometimes these symbols can refer only to the plastic packaging or cardboard box rather than the product itself. Other times, the recycled symbol will refer to the cardboard roll in the center of toilet paper or paper towels. It is important to read carefully the text that goes with this symbol to make sure that the tissue product itself is made from recycled fibres! Be an informed consumer, shop wisely. back to topHow do I get a print version of the Guide?Click here to order a print version of the Guide. A small donation is requested to cover the costs of production and to support our ongoing work to protect ancient forests. back to topWhat are some sustainable alternatives?Many eco-friendly alternatives to tissue products made from ancient forests exist today. These ancient forest friendly tissues products include products made from recycled paper and are not whitened with chlorine. Products made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper do exist and are of equal quality, value, and price and can be bought at most major grocery, health food, and corner stores. Even better than disposable recycled products are products that are washable and reusable. It is important to rethink your use of disposable paper products: consider using cloth napkins to wipe your hands and cloth towels to wipe up spills; think about purchasing and using a washable handkerchief to blow your nose. back to top |
