Editorial: Spring is here
One outstanding example this season are the pieces of paper which were attached to the "Jutlandia" garden furniture from Vietnam, which is sold by Norsk Sengetøyslager. One is given the impression that the furniture industry is actually saving the forest from another and bigger threat, the indigenous peoples who have used it forever. Sengetøyslageret writes:
"An export duty on forest products from Vietnam (10% by 10.07.95) contributes to the regeneration of the large forest areas which were ruined during the long-lasting war in the country. Poor mountain tribes have also, since time immemorial, burned down big areas of forest in order to cultivate the land."
Sengetøyslageret does not mention that today Vietnam has prohibited the export of this kind of timber.
Even though some of the companies which market furniture are taking environmental demands seriously, there is no reason to trust the promises of this spring's advertisements. But the lie dies hard, and it is repeated every season.
Norwatch Newsletter 7/99