Tell Home Depot: Protect the boreal forest

The Canadian boreal forest, the world's largest remaining intact forest, is being lost at a rate of 1 million acres per year. That's the equivalent of one and a half football fields every minute.

Forests

February 16, 2022

John Stout

The Canadian boreal forest, the world’s largest remaining intact forest, is being lost at a rate of 1 million acres per year. That’s the equivalent of one and a half football fields every minute.

The degradation of the boreal is devastating for both our climate and the wildlife that call the forest home. Home Depot’s policies suggest that some of its lumber is sourced at the expense of the boreal forest.

We’re working to protect this special place by urging Home Depot to change its practices by reducing the amount of wood sourced from critical parts of the boreal forest.

Why is the boreal so special?

The Canadian boreal forest is biologically diverse and ecologically important. It’s home to threatened caribou herds, grizzly bears, lynx and more than 3 billion birds.

The forest is also one of our greatest naturally occurring climate solutions. The boreal’s trees and soil absorb 300 billion tons of carbon dioxide. That’s enough to offset the emissions of 24 million passenger vehicles. But by clear-cutting the forest, companies release an estimated 26 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Home Depot can make a difference

Convincing Home Depot to stop logging the boreal forest has the potential for a large impact. Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer, with more than 2,300 stores in North America. By sourcing its wood sustainably, Home Depot will dramatically reduce logging in the boreal and could spark industry-wide change.

Now, we need your help to protect the Canadian boreal forest.

Tell Home Depot: Protect the boreal forest

Photo: Canada’s boreal forest, filled with spruce, firs and pines, extends 1 billion acres — supporting threatened caribou herds, grizzly bears and billions of birds. Credit: Pi-Lens via Shutterstock