Planting the Seeds of Common Sense

In the world's zest to protect the environment, it seems we sometimes can't see the forest for the trees.

In describing the World Wildlife Fund’s efforts to prevent printing and paper use, this recent Wall Street Journal editorial demonstrates that just because someone has an idea they think is "green," it may not always produce an environmental benefit. The editorial’s authors point out that efforts to stop the use of paper are seeking to address a problem that just doesn’t exist.

The truth is, paper is biodegradable and is produced from sustainable forests, which provide habitat for wildlife and clean our water, air and soil. Our forests are also a naturally organic process. If you follow the logic, using less paper reduces the need for forests and reduces the incentive for reforestation, meaning paperless initiatives could actually result in harm to the environment.

This WSJ editorial highlights just one of the paradoxes of environmental rhetoric, and a truth you can count on -- Texas farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are protecting our natural resources while producing the food you eat, the clothes you wear and the paper you use. Visit Agriculture Is Your Culture to learn more about the original environmentalists.

P.S. One final thought - If you like the WSJ article, circulate widely, please, preferably after printing and copying.