Not so sustainable

I am writing in response to your Nov. 10 story, "Recycling, going green part of sustainable business trend."

It is true that the word "sustainability" is showing up a lot lately and the definition given for a sustainable business may be true, but there is no uniform definition. Any company can throw this word around as they choose - especially International Paper.

International Paper may be revamping a few of their industrial processes to save money, but in all, their practices of clear-cutting and its effects on our Southern forests overshadow any small measures of "greening" that International Paper may be taking. International Paper does participate in the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI). However, this certification program somehow overlooks logging practices of priceless endangered forests, turning natural forests into lifeless tree plantations, clear-cutting, planting genetically modified trees in place of natural forests, and using toxic chemicals excessively.

The Southern U.S. is the home to the most bio-diverse temperate forests in the world. This biodiversity is being threatened by actions of companies such as International Paper.

Beware of the green-washing of corporations; we should reserve the title of "sustainability" or "green" for companies who truly act as stewards of the environment.

Megan Williams

Weaverville, N.C.