October 17, 1997

High Point, NC- Nine EarthCulture activists were arrested today as they staged a "die-in," blocking the entrance of the International Home Furnishings Center building on Commerce St. in High Point, NC during the 70,000 person High Point International Furniture Market. Two of the activists held a 9'x12' banner while the others were "killed" by a grim reaper symbolizing loggers cutting rainforests at any cost. All nine were charged with second degree trespassing.

On the previous day, a 15 foot chair was erected and splattered with blood. A banner hung atop the chair which read, "Buying Rainforest Woods Kills Native Peoples." About 30 protesters carried signs, chanted, and acted out a skit with blood splattered furniture dealers and slain trees. Simultaneously, a U Haul truck covered with banners drove all through the market center.

EarthCulture, along with members of the newly-formed Rainforest Woods Coalition have called a complete boycott on all rainforest wood products which do not bear an independent "well-managed" label, causing little environmental or social impact. Some common rainforest woods include: mahogany, teak, lauan, redwood, western red cedar, rosewood, ebony, ramin, greenheart, and ipe.

"Indigenous peoples all over the world are being displaced, tortured, and even murdered for woods like mahogany, teak, and lauan," said EarthCulture's Kevin Henderson. "Being arrested is a small price to pay compared to what the people of the rainforest endure."

These demonstrations were part of the 25 protests EarthCulture is leading all over the East Coast this month.
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