Tree productivity, for example, is based on the relationship between tree roots and soil fungi. Without its associated truffles and mushrooms, a tree will grow at a much slower rate. Species such as flying squirrels spread these fungal spores by eating truffles and leaving pellets behind. Flying squirrels, however, do not thrive in post-clearcut forests. It has been firmly established that economic opportunity is a major determinant of health.
Forests also provide opportunities for tourism, recreation and spiritual pursuits.
According to Environment Canada, they support a multibillion-dollar recreation and tourism industry. The forest industry uses many toxic compounds and produces toxic byproducts so that we can have white paper and building materials. According to Environment Canada, the biggest known users of insecticides in Atlantic Canada are the provincial governments of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, which spray them from aircraft to combat the spruce budworm and the hemlock looper. Diesel oil and gas are used by machinery when trees are clearcut and transported to mills. At pulp mills, chlorine is often used for processing and bleaching.