The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a big warning call for all of us. We all have to cautiously contemplate the negative impact that the actions of corporations and individuals are having on our earth’s eco-system. Much has been written and will continue to be said about BP and the public relations nightmare it caused itself through the epic oil spill within the Gulf of Mexico. However you might not have heard that there’s another ongoing environmental controversy centered around the problem of deforestation and a company named Asia Pulp and Paper (APP). Small businesses and organizations far and wide may learn an important lesson from the circumstances APP finds itself in. APP is a division in the mega corporation, Sinar Mas, and calls itself one of the earth’s top pulp and paper companies.

APP has in recent times been associated to being a significant contributor to deforestation. Deforestation, man-caused disappearance of naturally occurring forests by means of logging or burning, is a large dilemma in today’s world. It is estimated that approximately 50% or more of the world’s plant and animal life reside within the seven percent of the planet where rainforests currently exist. For example, the most renowned of rainforests, the Amazon, a wondrous 5.5 million square kilometer rainforest located in South America encompassing sections of nine separate countries, has no more than 82.3% of the wet broadleaf forest cover it enjoyed in 1970. It is also estimated that between 1991 and 2000, the entire loss of Amazon rainforest increased from 415,000 square kilometers to approximately 600,000. The above data is according to Wikipedia.

A different lesser known but equally struggling rain forest, the Indonesian rainforest, has made recent headlines following a statement from Greenpeace. Within the details, Greenpeace accuses Asia Paper and Pulp of “relentlessly trashing rainforests, driving species extinction and, if left unchecked, will threaten Indonesia’s efforts to address climate change.” Reported by CNN.com, Indonesia is one of the world’s largest culprits of producing greenhouse emissions largely due to clear-cutting and burning of rainforests for logging and other purposes. Indonesia has long been a recipient of criticism because of its environmental tactics primarily because of disregard for international and even their own laws. APP is presently going through a PR nightmare because of the Greenpeace report, and naturally is saying Greenpeace’s claims are exaggerated. Nevertheless things recently took a turn for the worse for Sinar Mas as in July, 2010 Wal-Mart (already becoming a major advocate for transitioning its customer base to the use of sustainable reusable green bags) announced it has “taken steps to stop” acquiring their paper, because of this and further controversies surrounding APP. Sounds like APP’s denial of the issue is making things worse and now costing them major business. Losing Wal-Mart’s business over the next year should significantly affect their revenue.

This brings us to a great question: In today’s complex world-wide economy, how can businesses make certain they are instituting environmentally-friendly and energy efficient business practices and never on the incorrect side of a Public relations controversy? Business.Gov, the official business link to the American Government, includes a 10 step guide to help corporations ensure they are energy efficient, compliant with environmental regulations, and recognized as a green business. Here are the steps: Be in accordance with Environmental Laws, Cultivate an Environmental Management Plan, Build Green, Buy Eco friendly Products, Implement Energy Efficient Practices, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Wastes, Conserve Water, Prevent Pollution, Develop a Green Marketing Strategy, and Connect with Industry Partnership and Stewardship Programs.

Step 4 Obtain Green Products, is a good idea that numerous businesses fail to consider. A unique approach to boost understanding about deforestation while promoting your brand is through eco promotional products like seed paper, which is crafted from actual seeds and can still take root and sprout into a beautiful flower when planted. Something as simple as seed cards such as a seed business card or a seeded thank you card can produce a really unforgettable interaction with a customer or industry colleague. You are able to also incorporate a statement about deforestation on the stationary, making it completely clear about where your corporation stands on ecological issues. Another one that stands out on this list is step 6, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Wastes. Remembering to reduce and reuse is the best way to get rid of the need to recycle in the first place. Now is the time to act to stop deforestation as well as making sure your company is recognized as a green business, as a consequence solidifying your sustainable reputation. The 10 steps above are a terrific manual for just about any business owner or CEO to apply green practices in your business. Embrace the challenge of perpetually improving your organization’s environmental footprint. Your company’s leadership and example can help stop the devastating effects of deforestation and the investment is going to be well worth it.