Most of the pulp and paper is produced for export, but it all winds up as polluting waste, mostly from packaging materials, printing paper and sanitary tissue products.

Pulp and paper production starts with the destruction of grasslands, wetlands and forests to clear land for plantations. This is followed by their excessive water use, pollution with toxic agricultural chemicals, and the spread of invasive alien plants. Pesticides sprayed in plantations endanger both the health of the workers involved, and wildlife affected by overspray and pollution of streams etc.

This harm is followed by intensive mechanical management which results in soil compaction and pollution by oil spills and other waste, as well as severe soil erosion after clear cuts.

Plantation work usually involves temporary workers including women who must do dangerous work under harsh outdoor conditions for very little pay. This adds insult to the injury of having to do this demeaning work on land that was once their own, with clean water, fertile soil and plentiful wildlife.