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Discusses alternatives to tree-based paper. Contribution of the paper industry to pollution; Efforts of environmental groups and activists to promote the use of recycled paper; Pursuit of publishers to find alternatives to tree-based paper; Information on kenaf and hemp as alternative sources for making paper. INSETS: Finding Fibers;Taking Action.

Reports on the success of the Paper Campaign, a coalition of environmental groups led by ForestEthics and the Dogwood Alliance, against the office-supply firm Staples. Cancellation of the planned demonstration against Staples; Agreement of Staples to more than triple the average recycled content in its paper products; Support given by the Sierra Student Coalition to the campaign.

The article offers some justifications on the use of paper and print communications. It cites the negative claims of radical green activists about paper production and its impact on forests and other natural resources. It mentions how International Paper opposed such efforts through its "Down to Earth" series of brochures, the first of which is "Where Does Paper come From" which explains the basic principles behind sustainable forestry and describes the leading certification programs.

The article reports that 1995 Earth Day posters and personal stationary with tree-free paper has been sold by a group of environmentalists in the U.S. The papers used in making the posters and personal stationary were made from kenaf plant, an African bamboo-like plant related to hibiscus that grows more rapidly compared to trees.