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Better Buying in the Boreal

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Best Buy’s rolein the degradation oF the Boreal Forest Canada’s globally important Boreal Forest faces mounting pressure as governments and industry grapple to balance economic development with long term conservation.1 Major buyers of wood and paper products originating from the Boreal Forest have a responsibility to support healthy forests and communities with their purchasing decisions.

However, not all companies are demonstrating a commitment to responsible buying. A Greenpeace investigation has revealed that electronics giant Best Buy may be sourcing over 100 million pounds of paper annually from just one supplier, much of which originates in Canada’s Boreal2 and is used to produce junk mail and flyers which are quickly thrown away. Trees in the Canadian Boreal can take over ninety years to mature.

According to Greenpeace research3 Best Buy sources these materials from the controversial logging company Resolute Forest Products (Resolute). Resolute is an outlier in the Canadian forest sector responsible for significant degradation of the Boreal, destruction of endangered species habitat and disputes with Indigenous communities.

Best Buy’s paper purchasing, in contrast to more responsible consumer companies, is therefore actively contributing to the degradation of the Boreal forest.

1 http://borealscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/conserving-last-great-forests1.pdf 2 According to Greenpeace research, roughly 1,000 tonnes of paper are delivered weekly to BEST BUY in the US

alone. These products originate from Resolute Forest Products. 52 weeks multiplied by 1,000 tonnes is 52,000 tonnes. There are 2,204 pounds in a tonne. 52,000 multiplied by 2,204 is 114,608,000 pounds.

3 Ibid.

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the world’s last great Forest

“These intact forest landscapes are some of the most important landscapes on Earth… Canada is the country with the largest share of intact forest degradation in the world. It’s No. 1 on the list.” Nigel Sizer, Director – Forest ProgrammeWorld Resources Institute4

Canada’s Boreal Forest has been described as the world’s last great forest.5 It holds the world’s largest carbon stores, with a minimum of 208 billion tonnes in its soils, trees and wetlands.6 That’s over 30 years of current man-made emissions.7 Its sweeping expanses contain the largest area of surface freshwater of any country8, almost 200 million acres of surface water and 25 percent of the world’s wetlands.9 Waters from the Boreal flow north to the Arctic and assist in the formation of sea ice, cooling the atmosphere and fueling marine biodiversity.10

Biodiversity in the Boreal itself is iconic – grizzly and black bear, wolverine, wolf, lynx, moose and the elusive woodland caribou all call this forest home. Healthy caribou populations mean healthy forests, though this species is threatened right across Canada. The Boreal wilderness also supports billions of migratory birds.11

4 http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/canada-s-degradation-of-pristine-intact-forests-leads-world-1.27571385 http://borealscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/conserving-last-great-forests1.pdf6 Ibid.7 http://borealbirds.org/sites/default/files/publications/forest-of-blue.pdf (“147 billion tonnes of carbon [is] more

than 25 years worth of current man-made emissions”)8 http://borealscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/conserving-last-great-forests1.pdf9 http://borealbirds.org/sites/default/files/publications/forest-of-blue.pdf 10 Ibid.11 Ibid.

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12 http://www.afn.ca/index.php/en/policy-areas/environmental-stewardship13 The term “First Nations” refers to the culturally diverse and geographically widespread Aboriginal Peoples in

Canada who are neither Métis nor Inuit. There are over 500,000 First Nations persons in Canada.14 http://www.fpac.ca/index.php/en/page/industry-by-the-numbers15 http://borealbirds.org/sites/default/files/publications/forest-of-blue.pdf16 http://www.wri.org/news/2014/09/release-new-analysis-finds-over-100-million-hectares-intact-forest-area-

degraded-2000#sthash.RLmilNtY.dpuf

Canada is home to over 600 First Nations.13 A majority of these communities have traditional territories overlapping the Boreal Forest, where they exercise decision-making authority and constitutionally protected rights to conduct activities such as hunting, fishing or collecting medicines. However they have been historically excluded from decisions impacting their lands, and deprived of economic and other benefits associated with development. Many First Nations now seek business and other relationships based on mutual respect.

The forest products industry plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) estimates the industry now exports $28.5 billion of pulp, paper and wood products annually.14

But all is not well in the Boreal Forest. Logging, road-building, mining, oil and gas extraction have left an industrial footprint scarring roughly 728,000 km2 (180 million acres) to date.15 Canada recently emerged as the world leader in loss of intact forests, largely in the Boreal, from 2000 – 2013.16

In the face of global resource demand, there is a growing urgency to ensure responsible management of the forest and maintain its ecological integrity. To do so, users and buyers of paper and timber from the Boreal Forest can support responsi ble forestry through sustainable procurement policies and active supplier engagement.

“Humanity is part of the ecosystem.” Environmental StewardshipAssembly of First Nations12

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“We know that we havethe ability to positively impact the world and our sustainability strategy aligns with this belief. It begins by ensuring we have a responsible supply chain.” Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, BEST BUY17

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Can they prove this?

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After identifying Best Buy’s substantial connection to the Boreal Forest, and in order to get a more complete picture, Greenpeace reviewed the procurement policies and supplier engagement of a cross-section of major forest products customers. We noted the growing importance of supporting Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests, respecting Indigenous rights and preserving high conservation value or endangered forests.

It became clear that well-known companies like Kimberly-Clark and Hewlett-Packard take their corporate responsibility seriously and apply transparent policies promoting sustainable forest products in their supply chains. Best Buy, in contrast, did not respond to repeated requests to discuss their policy with Greenpeace. Though the company indicated in an earlier letter that it has a “set of sustainable forest management expectations through our paper procurement policy”, upon examination it is clear the company’s paper procurement policy18 is extremely weak in comparison to others.

With annual revenue of $42 billion and roughly 1,400 stores across North America, Best Buy is a major destination for customers seeking electronic goods. According to CEO Hubert Joly, “sustainability must be an essential element of everything the company does.”19 The company has very publically committed to “a responsible supply chain.”20 Which makes it surprising to learn that this high-tech company is not making the best decisions when it comes to sourcing its throw-away promotional materials.

17 https://corporate.bestbuy.com/sustainability/ 18 https://corporate.bestbuy.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/best-buy-paper-procurement-policy.pdf 19 https://corporate.bestbuy.com/best-buys-hubert-joly-urges-retail-peers-to-make-sustainability-a-business-

priority/ 20 https://corporate.bestbuy.com/sustainability/

Best Buy’s procurementpolicy #nottheBest

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#not the Best

Best Buy PoLICIes AgAINsT oTheR MAjoR CoMPANIes

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Transparent and responsive. Voluntarily shares information with stakeholders. Actively engages suppliers to align with policy.

Multiyear goals, major FSC uptake and labelling, FSC board member.

Good selection in Business to Business lines, but limited recycled fibre in consumer lines, no specific recycled targets, preference for post-consumer recycled.

Indirectly addressed by FSC preference, statement on human rights.

No explicit statement, importance of issue communicated to suppliers.

Clear restrictions on sourcing from specific forest areas, unprecedented goal of reducing natural forest fibre usage by 50%.

Clearly defines “High Conservation Value Forests”, “Endangered Forests” and Indigenous rights for suppliers. Publically reports on progress.

Public goal of increasing “fibre from FSC certified operations” into its supply chains. Supported by measurable targets.

Public goal of increasing the use of paper made from recycled materials. Supported by targets.

Requires suppliers to ensure impacted Indigenous Peoples have provided their free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).

Requires all of its suppliers to eliminate the use of wood fiber from forests containing significant concentrations of endangered species.

Requires all of its suppliers to eliminate the use of wood fiber from high conservation value (HCV) and endangered forests.

Active on excluding controversial suppliers. Programme for delivering “greener” (e.g. FSC, recycled, alternative fibres) paper to customers. Transparent reporting of paper content.

Stated FSC preference, supported by targets and reporting.

Commitment to using and making available recycled products. Transparent reporting of usage but no targets.

Commits to avoiding paper from forests where harvesting negatively impacts human or labour rights.

No explicit statement. Commits to avoiding products from high conservation value forests unless fully FSC certified or progressing towards certification.

Regular supplier engagement and enforcement of policy. Active dialogue with ENGOs, FSC and academics.

Give preference to pulp from FSC certified forests, public target with good recent FSC uptake, no labelling.

Limited recycled fibre in consumer lines, no specific recycled targets.

Indirectly addressed by FSC preference, also statement on universal human rights.

No explicit statement; importance of issue communicated to suppliers.

Does not purchase wood from suppliers sourcing from high conservation value forests.

Works with stakeholders to address identified supplier shortcomings. Phases out suppliers in violation of FSC principles.

FSC preference, supported by clear goals.

Commitment to increase use of recycled content, supported by clear goals.

Indirectly addressed by FSC preference.

Stated intent to avoid areas home to endangered species.

Canadian Boreal identified as priority region for conservation, Avoids suppliers logging in endangered forests.

Unclear definition of “endangered regions.” Seemingly limited-to-moderate supplier engagement. Irregular responsiveness to stakeholder inquiries.

Longstanding FSC preference and big seller of FSC certified wood products. No targets.

Not applicable.7 Indirectly addressed by FSC preference.

Not mentioned, unclear if engaging on issue.

No specific language, though reference to “endangered regions.”

Supplier engagement unclear. Vague “Supply Chain Toronto Operations Environmental Policy” with no mention of forests. Not responsive to stakeholders inquiries.

None. No reference. Previously phased out major printed catalogue.

No reference. No reference. No reference.

Vague reference to expecting “responsible forestry practices that promote sustainability.” Unclear supplier engagement. Very unresponsive to stakeholder inquiries.

None. Commitment to increasing usage of recycled content. Not supported by goals.

No reference. No reference. No reference.

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Fsc FiBre

preFerence,

with goals

100% recycled

FiBre preFerence,

with goals

respect

For indigenous

rightsprotection

oF cariBou haBitat protection For

Boreal Forest areas

most at risk

1 http://www.cms.kimberly-clark.com/umbracoimages/UmbracoFileMedia/Fiber%20Procurement%20Policy_umbracoFile.pdf 2 http://www8.hp.com/us/en/hp-information/global-citizenship/environment/paperpolicy.html 3 http://officedepotcitizenship.com/2012/purchasingPolicy.html 4 http://www.pg.com/en_US/sustainability/policies_practices/woodpulp.shtml 5 http://i.dell.com/sites/content/corporate/corp-comm/en/documents/dell_Forest_Products_stewardship_Model.pdf6 https://corporate.homedepot.com/CorporateResponsibility/Environment/WoodPurchasing/Pages/default.aspx 7 home depot, appropriately, has a “Wood Purchasing Policy” based on the products it sells (wood, rather than paper).8 http://corp.canadiantire.ca/eN/CorporateCitizenship/businesssustainability/documents/sustainability_eNg_december%2019,%202013_FINAL.pdf 9 https://corporate.bestbuy.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/best-buy-paper-procurement-policy.pdf

Transparent and responsive. Voluntarily shares information with stakeholders. Actively engages suppliers to align with policy.

Multiyear goals, major FSC uptake and labelling, FSC board member.

Good selection in Business to Business lines, but limited recycled fibre in consumer lines, no specific recycled targets, preference for post-consumer recycled.

Indirectly addressed by FSC preference, statement on human rights.

No explicit statement, importance of issue communicated to suppliers.

Clear restrictions on sourcing from specific forest areas, unprecedented goal of reducing natural forest fibre usage by 50%.

Clearly defines “High Conservation Value Forests”, “Endangered Forests” and Indigenous rights for suppliers. Publically reports on progress.

Public goal of increasing “fibre from FSC certified operations” into its supply chains. Supported by measurable targets.

Public goal of increasing the use of paper made from recycled materials. Supported by targets.

Requires suppliers to ensure impacted Indigenous Peoples have provided their free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).

Requires all of its suppliers to eliminate the use of wood fiber from forests containing significant concentrations of endangered species.

Requires all of its suppliers to eliminate the use of wood fiber from high conservation value (HCV) and endangered forests.

Active on excluding controversial suppliers. Programme for delivering “greener” (e.g. FSC, recycled, alternative fibres) paper to customers. Transparent reporting of paper content.

Stated FSC preference, supported by targets and reporting.

Commitment to using and making available recycled products. Transparent reporting of usage but no targets.

Commits to avoiding paper from forests where harvesting negatively impacts human or labour rights.

No explicit statement. Commits to avoiding products from high conservation value forests unless fully FSC certified or progressing towards certification.

Regular supplier engagement and enforcement of policy. Active dialogue with ENGOs, FSC and academics.

Give preference to pulp from FSC certified forests, public target with good recent FSC uptake, no labelling.

Limited recycled fibre in consumer lines, no specific recycled targets.

Indirectly addressed by FSC preference, also statement on universal human rights.

No explicit statement; importance of issue communicated to suppliers.

Does not purchase wood from suppliers sourcing from high conservation value forests.

Works with stakeholders to address identified supplier shortcomings. Phases out suppliers in violation of FSC principles.

FSC preference, supported by clear goals.

Commitment to increase use of recycled content, supported by clear goals.

Indirectly addressed by FSC preference.

Stated intent to avoid areas home to endangered species.

Canadian Boreal identified as priority region for conservation, Avoids suppliers logging in endangered forests.

Unclear definition of “endangered regions.” Seemingly limited-to-moderate supplier engagement. Irregular responsiveness to stakeholder inquiries.

Longstanding FSC preference and big seller of FSC certified wood products. No targets.

Not applicable.7 Indirectly addressed by FSC preference.

Not mentioned, unclear if engaging on issue.

No specific language, though reference to “endangered regions.”

Supplier engagement unclear. Vague “Supply Chain Toronto Operations Environmental Policy” with no mention of forests. Not responsive to stakeholders inquiries.

None. No reference. Previously phased out major printed catalogue.

No reference. No reference. No reference.

Vague reference to expecting “responsible forestry practices that promote sustainability.” Unclear supplier engagement. Very unresponsive to stakeholder inquiries.

None. Commitment to increasing usage of recycled content. Not supported by goals.

No reference. No reference. No reference.

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“Will not do the minimum that the science says is required to protect our forests” Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS).21

“Not meeting its commitments to ensure caribou survive” Forest Ethics.22

“Harvested to the doorstep of winter habitat for the threatened woodland caribou” Ontario Nature.23

“Quashed the Crees’ consent for its forestry operations” Grand Council of the Crees.24

“We have never given our consent or agreed to the massive exploitation of forestry” Atikamekw First Nation Chief Christian Awashish.25

“Major Canadian Timber Company Loses FSC Certification” Building Green26

“High risk to the extirpation of caribou herds” Independent audit of Resolute FSC certificate in Quebec, 2013.27

“Does not demonstrate [core forest habitat] value will be maintained” Independent audit of Resolute FSC certificate in Quebec, 2013.28

“Comments from interested parties … clearly expressed a lack of support” Independent audit of Resolute FSC certificate in Ontario, 2013.29

“Resolute Forest Products Sues Rainforest Alliance over Audit” Agence France Press30

“We are disappointed that Resolute has resorted to these measures” The Rainforest Alliance.31

“The strategy appears to be, not to engage Rainforest Alliance on the facts, but rather to suppress these facts” Prof. Jason McClean, Faculty of Law, Lakehead University.32

“Because Resolute has little reason to maintain the forest in a sustainable manner, degradation is already happening” Local citizen, Fort Frances, Northern Ontario.33

21 http://cpaws.org/news/environmental-groups-suspend-further-work-with-resolute-under-cbfa22 http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1168947/environmental-groups-suspend-further-work-with-resolute-forest-products-under-canadian-boreal-

forest-agreement23 https://ontarionature.thankyou4caring.org/resolute 24 http://www.gcc.ca/pdf/ASI-FSC-Complaint-Report-May-13.pdf 25 http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/atikamekw-say-they-won-t-allow-forestry-work-on-their-land-without-approval-1.2776780 26 http://www2.buildinggreen.com/article/major-canadian-timber-company-loses-fsc-certification 27 http://fsc.force.com/servlet/servlet.Filedownload?file=00P4000000j5QheeA3 28 http://fsc.force.com/servlet/servlet.Filedownload?file=00P4000000g3oT8eAj 29 http://fsc.force.com/servlet/servlet.Filedownload?file=00P4000000FZFuQeA5 30 http://www.industryweek.com/environment/resolute-forest-products-sues-rainforest-alliance-over-audit 31 http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/resolute-forest-products-statement 32 http://montrealgazette.com/business/resolute-forest-alleges-bias-against-rainforest-alliance-before-release-of-negative-audit 33 http://www.chroniclejournal.com/editorial/letters/2014-11-15/drive-here-understand-premier-urged

A transnational corporation headquartered in Montreal and registered in the state of Delaware, Resolute Forest Products is the largest logging company operating in Canada. Suspended sustainable forestry certificates, conflict with First Nations, imperiled woodland caribou and lawsuits to silence critics have defined Resolute in recent years. By purchasing from Resolute without clear sustainability expectations, Best Buy risks using priceless caribou habitat or fibre sourced without First Nations consent to make flyers and junk mail that quickly end up in the trash.

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34 http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/Global/canada/report/2013/01/HotSpotReport.pdf 35 http://www.intactforests.org/

Better Buying in the Boreal

ForestFortunately, if Best Buy is willing to make better buying decisions, it can continue to source from the Boreal Forest without contributing to forest degradation or social conflict. This means committing to a sustainable sourcing policy that rewards responsible suppliers.

Corporate buyers of pulp and paper products need a stable and sustainable supply of fibre from the boreal Forest. They expect products that meet their financial bottom line and are consistent with their corporate values. The mechanism for achieving this is a sustainable procurement policy.

what do we mean By a sustainaBle policy? at a minimum, For Forest products originating in the Boreal, it includes:

traceability of all products to the forest of origin;

Cleardefinitionofforeststhatrequireprotectiontoretaintheirecologicalintegrity,including high conservation value or endangered forests34 and intact forest landscapes35;

protection of woodland caribou and/or endangered species;

commitment to respecting indigenous rights;

CommitmenttoincreasefullyFSCcertifiedcontentwithmilestonesandtimelines;

Commitmenttoincreaseuseofrecycledfibrewithmilestonesandtimelines;

implementation mechanisms, including investigating supply chains forunwanted sources;

proactive supplier engagement – communicating clear expectations to suppliers and recognizing sustainable performance with increased business relationships; and

stakeholder engagement – transparently and regularly meeting with stakeholders like environmental organizations.

It is important to recognize that there are forest products companies in Canada successfully pursuing sustainable, equitable and economically viable forestry. Greenpeace urges Best Buy and other corporations to identify these suppliers and pursue enhanced business relationships.

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cariBou protection“Success in recovering boreal caribou will dependon the commitment, collaboration and cooperation among all interested parties” Environment Canada36

A key indicator species for overall forest health, the iconic woodland caribou is listed as a threatened species in Canada. In 2012, Environment Canada37 identified 65% ofa herd’s range as the minimum necessary undisturbed habitat for a fighting chance at survival.38

This means that customers of boreal products should avoid sourcing from caribou habitat where a herd’s range39 is less than this scientific minimum or there are no science-based measures to ensure healthy populations on the ground.

First nations rights Under international law40 First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples have the right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) for all decisions impacting their traditional territories, whether in the form of industrial development or conservation measures. Greenpeace, along with other environmental organizations, does not support projects without the FPIC of affected First Nations.41

In addition to being an internationally recognized human rights standard, FPIC is also a best practice for business.42 Customers of boreal products should screen carefully for suppliers that operate without consent.

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what can individuals do?While companies like Best Buy have a major influence on the future of our forests, individual members of the public also play a crucial role in making their expectations known. Public demand for responsibly sourced products is what drives change at a global scale. Members of the public can make their voice heard and ask Best Buy to make better purchasing decisions for our forests here:

greenpeace.ca/nottheBest

key Features oF suppliers oF responsiBle Boreal Forest products:√ Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests;

√ Support conservation planning for caribou habitat, high conservation value or intact forests;

√ Recognize First Nations rights and engage meaningfully; and

√ Foster positive relationships with local communities, many corporations take their responsibility seriouslyto support workers, environmental organizations and other stakeholders.

Greenpeace advocates for a healthy Boreal Forest that supports thriving wildlife and communities, where businesses have economic certainty and where the rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected. The good news is that many corporations already take their responsibility seriously to support a prosperous future for the Boreal.

36 http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/plans/rs_boreal_caribou_revised_0811_eng.pdf 37 Canada’s Federal department of the environment. 38 http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/plans/rs_caribou_boreal_caribou_0912_e1.pdf 39 http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=A59A02Ab-140 http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/dRIPs_en.pdf 41 http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/Global/canada/report/2014/03/Greenpeace%20Canada%20Policy%20on%20Indigenous%20Rights.pdf 42 see for example, Foley hoag LLP’s highly practical “Implementing a Corporate Free, Prior, and Informed Consent Policy: benefits and Challenges” :

http://www.foleyhoag.com/publications/ebooks-and-white-papers/2010/may/implementing-a-corporate-free-prior-and-informed-consent-policy

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#nottheBest

Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organisationwhich uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose globalenvironmental problems, and to force the solutions which areessential to a green and peaceful future.

Greenpeace Canada, Montreal33 Cecil street Toronto, ontario M5T 1N1454 Laurier Avenue east, Montréal, Québec h2j 1e7unitb 10187 - 104 sT, edmonton (Alberta) T5j 0Z91726 Commercial drive, vancouver, british Colombia v5N 4A3

1 800 320-7183www.greenpeace.ca

Author: Shane Moffattdesign: Marlene-b.comCover photo: Annie-Claude Roberge/GreenpeaceAcknowledgements: Richard Brooks, Amy Moas, Ioana Cotutiu, sarah king and Marie Moucarry Published by greenpeace Canada: November 2014IsbN 978-0-9881031-8-4