In 2002, Joshua Martin joined 80 activists and organizations from across North America at a summit on reforming the paper industry. During the summit, attendees ratified a “Common Vision for the Transformation of the Paper Industry” and went on to form the Environmental Paper Network (EPN), so that they could coordinate, collaborate and communicate with one strong voice and work towards their goals after parting ways. It was Joshua’s presence there and his concern about the environmentally damaging practices of the industry that led him to become the very first staff member of the EPN in 2005. Based in Asheville, the EPN now has two more staff members to help Joshua help the 11 leading organizations and 100 worldwide partner organizations that make up the group.

What is the current mission of the EPN?
The EPN is a catalyst for collaboration among many nonprofit organizations that are working to stop the devastation caused by bad actors in the paper industry. Collectively, members move people and companies to recognize that their paper choices have the power to change the climate and protect endangered forests and public health. By shifting market demand to environmentally responsible paper products, we relieve the pressure on our climate and our forests and create a new, more sustainable, green-collar industry.

How is the EPN involved in the local sustainable movement?
The Southern U.S. is the biggest paper-producing region in the world. Making paper has an enormous impact on our forests and their biodiversity. One of the Network’s founders and steering committee members is the Dogwood Alliance, a nonprofit also based in Asheville, and we help amplify their message to protect our region’s forests.

“Going green” has become the latest trend. Have you noticed any changes in the paper industry as a result?
There is everything from greenwashing to true green action. It’s like the difference between Vanity Fair’s “Green Issue,” which talks about conservation but is printed on 100 percent virgin fiber paper, and New Life Journal and many others that are printed on 100 percent recycled paper. An indication that there is hope is that you can now walk into most big box stores or go online and easily buy beautiful recycled paper. Things are better, but we’ve got a lot more work to do.

What are some of your personal accomplishments and the organization’s accomplishments of which you are most proud?
I’m really proud to be part of a network of activists that has moved some very large companies, like Staples, Office Depot, Victoria’s Secret, Random House and many more, to drastically change what’s in their paper and help drive a new market for environmentally responsible paper. Last year, we also worked with the U.S. House of Representatives to switch all of their copy paper to 100 percent recycled stock.

Before I die, I’d like to…
Ride a clean energy light rail/trolley to work in Asheville.

What are some of the EPN’s future plans and goals?
We just launched a new website at www.WhatsInYourPaper.com to help people understand how to use the power of their paper choices every day to stop climate change, save endangered forests and protect public health.

Joshua Martin is the network coordinator for the Environmental Paper Network. He can be reached at Joshua@environmentalpaper.org, or visit the EPN on the Web at www.environmentalpaper.org and www.whatsinyourpaper.com.

Believe you or someone you know would be a great Life’s Leader?
Tell us more at www.newlifejournal.com/lifesleaders.shtml.

Interview by Maggie Cramer

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