Boycott Woodchipping Campaign


Sample Letters

The following are examples of letters you can write or pass onto others. If you want help composing appropriate literature, or if you need complete company profiles, make sure you contact the Boycott Woodchipping Campaign.

Write to the company's Managing Director

Dear Sir,

I have recently learned that your company is responsible for the destruction of endangered species habitat, our native forests and wilderness areas. I must tell you that I have joined the Boralcott and will not be purchasing any of your products until your company stops woodchipping native forests. I will also encourage everyone I know to join the boycott, and will be active organising demonstrations to inform the public exactly what your company is up to in our forests. Please start to put our forests first or watch the share price drop.

Sincerely,



To Dealerships

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to ask you to meet with me (and name of any others) on (insert time and date). I know that this is an unusual request, but we believe you are in a good position to help us stop (relevant company) from destroying Australian forests.

As a distributor of (relevant company's) products you are supporting a company that is responsible for the destruction of Australian native forests. One of (relevant company) subsiduaries S(relevant subsidiary) is involved in woodchipping.

I am enclosing some information for you. It describes the situation created by (relevant company) in our forests. We have carefully researched the facts and I think you will find a strong rationale for supporting our efforts.

Given the popularity of this issue, we think that supporting our efforts will be a positive marketing opportunity for you. I look forward to meeting you and outlining our concerns more clearly,

Sincerely

Also write to:

  • Federal Minister for Resources John Anderson

  • Federal Minister for the Environment Robert Hill

  • The Prime Minister John Howard

  • The relevant State Premier

  • The relevant State Environment Minister



Sample letter for responsive dealerships to send to the relevant company

Dear Sir,

I have recently learned that (relevant company) is a key player in the woodchip industry. Members of my local community have informed me that woodchipping destroys native forests and does not generate community benefits commensurate with the resources it consumes.

I have the greatest respect for (relevant company) and for our business relationship. However, because people in my community are so sensitive to the woodchipping issue, the activities of (relevant subsidiary) are potentially complicating my ablity to operate successfully. Local environmentalists have indicated that various demonstrations and advertising campaigns have been planned. My company will be targeted unless (relevant company) policies change immediately. It is difficult and expensive to combat negative press on an issue like this.

I urge (relevant subsidiary) to stop woodchipping native forests, cease clearing native forests for plantations and transfer into their existing plantation resources.

Sincerely



Sample letter to provide to Company Shareholders

Dear Sir,

I am a shareholder in (relevant company). I have recently become concerned about (relevant company's) strong involvement in the woodchip industry. I understand the environment movement are establishing a boycott of the company because the company produces native forest woodchips. While I have a high regard for many aspects of (relevant company's) operations, I agree that woodchipping our native forests is not the way to create a secure timber industry for future generations, nor is it an ethical way to treat our natural environment.

I believe that in the best interests of (relevant company), its shareholders and the environment, the board must take rapid action to end export woodchipping, stop clearing native forests for plantation establishment, and utilise its huge existing plantation resource. If there are no convincing signs that this is occurring, I shall be forced to withdraw my investment in the company and will encourage others to do the same.

Sincerely

Shareholder

general points

  • woodchipping destroys native forest and wilderness

  • woodchipping does not generate community benefits commensurate with the resources it consumes

  • Planting trees or seeding after clearfelling in no way relaces magnificent old growth ecosystems

  • Eighty per. cent. of Australians are opposed to woodchipping



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