Preserving healthy forests is important to our members, our business and vital to the future of our planet because of the critical role forests play in contributing to air quality, sustaining clean water sources and providing habitat. At the same time, paper and forest products can represent a sustainable natural resource providing economic opportunities for communities.

REI strives to reduce any negative impacts of our paper usage. We have an opportunity to use the strength of our brand and industry position to help influence the supply chain to move toward sustainable forestry and better environmental performance.

REI's Paper and Forest Products Policy

In 2006, through a collaborative approach with our stakeholders, including industry representatives and environmental advocates, REI introduced a new paper purchasing policy. The links below identify the key sections of our policy and provide the 2006 measurements and performance results.

1. Thoughtful and efficient use of paper: We strive to use paper thoughtfully, including systematic consideration for environmentally preferred alternatives and recycled content. In 2006 our paper efficiency metric improved from 2005 and we decreased the use of virgin paper fiber.
2. Tracking the origin of our paper: We strive to know the origin of the paper we buy all the way back to the forest through a documented chain of custody.
3. Sustainable sources: We strive to eliminate the use of paper from unsustainable forest practices and commit to purchase from well-managed sources, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
4. Environmental performance: We will encourage supply-chain partners to exceed legal compliance and innovate toward environmentally and socially responsible business practices.)
5. Recycle at least 75% of the paperwe use in our operations by 2009.
6. Report on our progress annually through our stewardship report.