WA: Japanese consumers seek woodchipping halt
Copyright 2000 AAP Information Services Pty Ltd
December 14, 2000
PERTH, Dec 14 AAP - A group claiming to represent 30 million Japanese consumers has written to the West Australian government and industrial giant Wesfarmers seeking the immediate halt of woodchipping of WA's old-growth forests.
The Japanese Consumer Union (JCU), which says it represents consumers on environmental and food safety matters, expressed concern about environmental impacts of woodchipping, particularly its contribution to global warming.
The Wilderness Society of WA said today the strongly-worded letter from the Tokyo-based organisation was a major step forward in a growing international consumer movement aimed at protecting WA's old growth forests.
In the letter, JCU secretary general Nobuko Hiwasa said the group had talked to experts who had indicated plantation woodchips could replace primary forest woodchips with no adverse impact on export volumes.
"We believe that Australian state governments have a vital role to play in creating an economic climate suitable for this immediate transition to take place, and woodchip companies as good global citizens should adopt ethical policies and practices," Mr Hiwasa wrote.
Comment was being sought from the premier and Wesfarmers.