Mahogany Activists March to Thomasville
by: Rick Spencer
Rainforest activists calling for a mahogany import ban marched twelve miles
from Dan K. Moore Lumber in Lexington, NC to Thomasville Furniture on
September 11. Dan K. Moore is one of the biggest importers of mahogany in
the US, and Thomasville is one of the biggest users. The marchers carried
signs and banners, and handed out literature along the way to let people
know mahogany is an endangered species and sometimes costs the lives of
indigenous peoples.
Most legal stands of mahogany have been depleted, so pirate loggers often
invade indigenous or wildlife reserves to steal the precious wood. Those
who stand in their way are shot. At least eight Amazon tribes have had
people murdered at the hands of mahogany loggers.
A Timely Time For Action
Many recent developments in the mahogany campaign show activists'
dedication is paying off. In late July, the Brazilian Congress passed an
unprecedented two year moratorium on new concessions of cutting mahogany in
natural stands. Because industry leaders admit reforestry efforts seldom
prosper, this will mean even more mahogany imports will be illegal.
Along with this measure, Brazil also introduced legislation that will
decrease deforestation due to ranching and farming. Though not enacted yet,
it would place limits on clearing forested areas to 20%.
The new developments in Brazil are a step in the right direction, but
EarthCulture, and other organizations plan to make sure US furniture
companies simply obey Brazilian law and stop using mahogany and other
rainforest woods.
That's just what EarthCulture set out to do at Thomasville. A dozen
activists devoted an entire day to the Amazon and marched twelve
rain-drenched miles to tell Thomasville, "Mahogany is Murder." The march
and rally lasted seven hours and evoked a positive response from onlookers.
As a result of pressure put on by our march (8 media sources covered it),
Thomasville's Senior Vice-President has agreed to meet with us. Thomasville
has stated they will continue to use mahogany as long as people buy it, or
they're forced to stop. Let's turn up the heat!
What can you Do?
Write Thomasville and demand that they stop using all rainforest wood.
Thomasville Furniture, Chuck Gordon, 401 E. Main St., Thomasville, NC.
Organize a mahogany demo in your area! Write or call EarthCulture at: PO
Box 4674, Greensboro, NC 27404 or 910-854-2957. We can send you baners,
signs, press packs, and can even contact media sources in your area to
spread the word. Action for Mahogany Week is December 1-7. Get out there!
(
geocities.com/rainforest)