World Forest Day
March 21 has been International Day of Forests since 2012. The holiday was established by the UN General Assembly to promote awareness of the importance of forests to the proper functioning of the planet.
Each year, organizers encourage countries to undertake activities such as planting trees, organizing contests, exhibitions and other related initiatives at local, national and international levels.
Wood satisfies many human needs. It can be used for a variety of purposes, having less impact on the environment than many alternative materials. It can be used many times and then – recycled. In this way, its material footprint is reduced. Forests are used in construction, energy, flooring, furniture, boards, paper and packaging, tools, musical instruments, sports equipment, toys or office supplies, among others.
The origin, method of harvesting and physical properties of wood make it a natural and friendly material that we use on such a large scale. It is an essential part of today’s fashionable “eco” lifestyle, in harmony with nature and in good health. In the face of climate change, it is also important to note that it is not only living trees that bind significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Wood products are also a great storehouse of C02.
As mentioned above, wood is, among other things, a raw material for paper and packaging. However, it should be emphasized that the raw material sourced by our industry comes mainly from sanitary and maintenance cuts. The paper industry makes every effort to contribute to responsible, sustainable forest management, which should ensure that forests, including timber harvesting, are used in such a way that their resources are not diminished while preserving biodiversity. Harvested fibers are used to make paper, cardboard and packaging – but when these products are returned to circulation after use by the consumer (a very important issue of proper selective waste collection!) they are recycled – interestingly and extremely important for the environment (and sustainable forest management at that), they can be recycled more than 25 times without losing their integrity. This means that valuable raw materials are preserved and returned to circulation – perfectly reflecting the spirit of the circular economy.
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