ARTICLE Georgia, Maine Cancel LEED for State Projects Georgia officially endorsed sustainable wood certifications more favorable to its wood industry, effectively abandoning formal LEED green building standards in state-funded projects. | ![]() |
The four companies join a list of 27 other U.S. brands that will avoid promoting SFI because, according to ForestEthics, the program is run by the logging and forest products industry. ForestEthics says the "program misleads consumers and allows massive clearcuts."
- “Xerox is no longer directly involved in paper sales or distribution in North America and will work with our suppliers to avoid using or promoting the Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification program.”
- "Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is committed to sustainability and works with suppliers who commit to sourcing environmentally responsible paper and fiber that meet only the highest forest protection standards. As part of its Sustainable Meeting Practices, Starwood encourages recycling and is committed to reducing its paper consumption and promoting the use of post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper and fiber. For materials containing virgin fiber, Starwood prefers using and promoting content certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and avoids using, promoting or referencing Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).”
- "Our group of companies — Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of New York, Inc., Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and our affiliated companies — are committed to being an environmentally responsible business, which includes our ability to reduce paper consumption wherever possible and sourcing environmentally responsible paper.” Delta Dental has removed the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) label from its consumer-facing mailings.
- "Bigelow Tea constantly strives to deepen our commitment to environmental responsibility. As a part of that effort, we engage and educate our vendors about sustainability best practices. Bigelow Tea recognizes that Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) has the most rigorous forest management standard and is widely considered the gold standard of forest certification. As part of Bigelow Tea’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Bigelow Tea will promote the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and will educate our vendors about Bigelow Tea’s purchasing preference for Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper and fiber.”
Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.