But our laws, economic systems, and social conventions view forests as a disposable resource, to be harvested as required to create or retain jobs, service debt, or generate quarterly dividends. The first step in saving the forests is the implementation of sustainable practices. This means the resources must be managed in a manner that allows the preservation of the planet's remaining primary forests, and the restoration of other forest areas. Current practices of clearing forests for farmland, or a one-time profit on timber, should be banned. Lifestyle issues must also be addressed, because consumption of wood and paper products have increased considerably faster than population during the latter half of this century.
Sustainable consumption is essential to promote sustainable production.
Eliminating waste in timber harvesting and processing is a solution that can be implemented almost immediately. Because of harvesting and processing techniques, half or more of the trees cut in logging operations are often wasted. One study in Brazil indicated that only one-third of each harvested log was turned into lumber. The rest was simply discarded. If all the wood wasted in harvesting and processing were to be utilized, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that consumer demand could be met while preserving the forests.