SFI Forest Certification Continues Rapid Growth

/PRNewswire / -- The astounding growth of the independent Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R) (SFI(R)) program is a sure sign forest certification is increasingly being used as a tool to demonstrate responsible forest management.

SFI Inc. released its 2008 progress report June 19, Sustainable Forestry Initiative: Growing Stronger Together, which showed a four-fold increase in SFI chain-of-custody certifications in 2008, and continued steady growth in forest and fiber sourcing certifications. At the end of 2008, the SFI program had 154 million acres (62 million hectares) of certified lands across the United States and Canada, 407 chain-of-custody certificates at 1,020 locations, and 39 fiber sourcing certifications - and the numbers continued to climb in 2009.

"The numbers are solid indicators of growth but I find what's behind them is even more compelling," SFI President and CEO Kathy Abusow said today. "Behind them is a lot of hard work and dedication by the many people who work with us - members of conservation groups, researchers, forest professionals, public employees and representatives of companies who remain committed to sustainable forest management despite incredibly tough times in the forest industry and in the economy."

Abusow said the SFI program, one of the largest and most widely accepted forest certification programs in the world, is backed by strong endorsements. "Whether it's the American Consumer Council, the Competition Bureau of Canada, TerraChoice's North American Environmental Choice eco-logo program or marketplace surveys - it is clear consumers and end users view the SFI program as proof that products are from well-managed forests."

She said that a time when there is increased sensitivity to environmental claims, the SFI program earns this trust by making sure its labels and claims conform with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the Competition Bureau of Canada and ISO 14020's nine principles for Environmental Labeling designed to promote accurate, verifiable and relevant environmental declarations and claims.

The SFI External Review Panel, a volunteer group of experts representing conservation, environment, professional, academic and public organizations, advises the SFI Inc. Board of Directors on ways to improve the SFI program. Among other things, the panel ensured the 2008 progress report accurately reflects the program's progress, and its members continue to monitor the open review process that will lead to the revised SFI 2010-2014 Standard. The standard review process has included two public consultation sessions as well as opportunities for on-line input and seven regional workshops across North America.

"The continued growth of the SFI program is encouraging news to those of us who support the concept of sustainable forestry, and want to see more independently certified forestlands," said Panel Chair Michael Goergen, Executive Vice President of the Society of American Foresters. "We are also impressed by the commitment of SFI participants to continual improvement through a standard review process that is a model of open, transparent and responsible consideration of public input, scientific and economic factors."

In addition to the start of the standard review process, the progress report highlights additional achievements through 2008, including:

Habitat for Humanity partnerships: Local SFI Implementation Committees joined forces with Habitat for Humanity chapters to build homes in Hibbing, Minn., and Portland, Maine, using materials from sustainable sources.
Investments in forest research: SFI program participants invested $88.9 million (US) in 2008 for forest research, bringing the total invested since 1995 to $1.07 billion (US).
Support for forestry training: Through the SFI program or its recognition of other programs, 6,627 resource and logging professionals were trained in responsible forestry in 2008 - 117,405 have been trained since 1995.
Simpler, clearer labels: The SFI program introduced new on-product labels after thorough market testing, making it easier for consumers to find the information they want.

Recognition for conservation leadership: SFI Leadership in Conservation Research Awards went to projects with strong partnerships led by Rayonier Inc. in Georgia and UPM-Kymmene Inc. in the Canadian Maritimes. The Minnesota Division of Forest Capital Partners LLC won the SFI and Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Wildlife Stewardship Award for a landmark conservation easement in northern Minnesota.

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Waste Management and Sony Electronics to Host Free Electronics Recycling Event

PRNewswire/ -- To encourage consumers to recycle electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, Sony Electronics Inc. and Waste Management Recycle America are asking Atlanta-area residents to take action and recycle their old electronics for free Nov. 22 at Turner Field from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first 2,000 participants to drop off their unwanted electronics will receive a free, environmentally friendly cloth tote.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 82 percent of the 2.25 million tons of old TVs, cell phones and computer products generated in the last two years ended up in landfills. By recycling old electronics products, useful materials -- such as glass, plastic and metals -- can be collected and re-used in the manufacture of other products. Since their partnership began, Sony Electronics and Waste Management have collected more than 11.1 million pounds of electronics waste, and the companies anticipate that number will grow exponentially as they continue to host events throughout the country.

Typically, residents would need to pay for their electronics to be properly collected and recycled, but as part of their ongoing efforts to help consumers recycle electronic devices safely, Sony Electronics and Waste Management are picking up the tab for this weekend's event, where any brand of electronics will be collected for free. In addition, the companies have committed to collecting and processing these items in an environmentally sound manner.

Both Sony and Waste Management are signatories to the Basel Action Network's Manufacturers' Commitment to Responsible E-Waste Recycling. The actions signify the companies' agreement to conduct their electronics recycling programs transparently and in accord with rigorous environmental and worker safety standards, and adhere to measures to prevent the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries.

The event is part of Sony Electronics' ongoing Take Back Recycling program, which provides free recycling for Sony products. This national effort is also bringing attention to recycling e-waste and educating the public that there are alternatives to trashing electronics, and that -- through recycling -- natural resources can be used again and greenhouse emissions are reduced in the process.

"Sony Electronics intends to lead the industry in environmental stewardship by providing consumers with end-of-life solutions through our Take Back Recycling Program," said Mark Small, vice president of environment, safety and health for Sony Electronics. "These special recycling events help us inform consumers that with Waste Management, Sony Electronics has established a local permanent drop-off location which they can use all year long to recycle their electronics when unplugged for the last time."

This coming February, all television stations will transition from broadcasting on analog airwaves to digital. Some older televisions will not be able to pick up the digital transmission, so Sony Electronics and Waste Management are taking a proactive approach to this issue by offering residents a permanent network of drop-off points that gives consumers a convenient way to recycle their old televisions through the Take Back Recycling Program, through which this weekend's event is possible.

"People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically," said Matthew Coz, vice president of Growth and Commodity Sales, Waste Management Recycle America. "We hope to collect as much recyclable material as possible through this free event. It is our way of demonstrating a shared commitment with the community, by providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship."

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Governor Perdue Announces more Flexibility in Outdoor Watering Restrictions

Today at the Georgia Agribusiness Council’s legislative breakfast Governor Sonny Perdue announced the state will ease outdoor watering limitations through exemptions to the Level Four drought restrictions implemented in September 2007. Taking this action strikes a balance between sound management of our water resources and support of Georgia’s industries that depend on water use. Governor Perdue also announced that his call for 10 percent water use reductions on water permit holders will continue using last year’s April to September average monthly water use as the baseline.

“Georgians have demonstrated their dedication to a culture of conservation,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “It is important to continue to encourage conservation with the 10 percent reduction, which I believe we can achieve while also supporting industries that are so essential to our state.”

Hand watering will be allowed for 25 minutes per day on an odd-even schedule between
midnight and 10 a.m. Odd numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Even numbered addresses can water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Hand watering is defined as one person with one garden hose with a spray nozzle that shuts off when it is released.
New professionally installed landscape can be watered up to three days a week from midnight to 10 a.m. for a period of 10 weeks based on the odd/even schedule. The new schedule will help ensure the survival of new landscape without requiring more water than what is being used under the current 30-day exemption.

Anyone wishing to water new professionally installed landscape must register with the Outdoor Water Use Registration Program. The program will be hosted on the Urban Agricultural Council web site at www.urbanagcouncil.com beginning April 1, when the outdoor watering exemptions take effect. Georgians may also contact their county extension agents for assistance in getting registered.

Local governments and water utilities in the 61-county Level Four Drought Response area will still be required to achieve the Governor’s water use reduction goal of at least 10 percent. Beginning April 1, the water savings will be calculated using last year’s April-September average monthly water use.

“These steps will give consumers confidence to buy and plant new trees and shrubbery,” said Governor Perdue. “It will give retailers confidence to stock these items, and it will give producers confidence to grow them. This action will lend renewed strength to the landscaping industry in Georgia.”

More information about the drought and water conservation can be found at www.georgiaepd.com and www.conservewatergeorgia.net.

Governor Perdue also praised the work of the Georgia Agribusiness Council in helping craft the Statewide Water Management Plan, which received final passage in the State Senate yesterday. Governor Perdue will sign the water plan this afternoon, and also announce the state’s decision on outdoor pools.