Stop the Dirty Dozen!

Dear Dirty Dozen:

I am joining Dogwood Alliance to ask for your help in protecting natural forests in the South and reducing the amount of paper packaging used in the United States. Southern forests are some of the most biologically diverse in North America and around the world. Unfortunately, the Southern U.S. is also the largest paper-producing region in the world with millions of acres being logged every year mostly for paper production and much of this paper is ending up in our landfills. In the United States we generate over 300 pounds of packaging waste per person each year, and food packaging takes up 15% of our landfills.

Where is your commitment to the environment? I am asking that your company reduce the amount of paper packaging being used, increase the amount of post consumer fiber in your packaging, and ensure your paper does not come from endangered forests.

Simple choices and creative solutions can reduce the excess and destruction while still allowing us to enjoy the level of convenience we have come to expect. We are asking you to work with us to solve the packaging problem, and to take the lead in the reform of the fast food industry to save our forests.