Complete Story
02/11/2026
Paper Matters - You Can Be a Tree Hugger and a Paper Lover
Source: Paper Matters / Two Sides North America, January 26, 2026
Jules Van Sant speaks to a lot of college students studying graphic communications across the U.S. and Canada about paper. She loves that part of her job (she’s the executive director of the aptly named Two Sides North America) and calls it her “good fortune” to get to meet with young people, but they’re typically a tough crowd.
“College students are keen on sustainability,” she said. “And they will challenge me. But by the end of my talk, there are always some who approach me to say, I didn’t know such-and-such. It’s good to be out there, speaking and spreading the love and making sure people know there are two sides to this story.”
Two Sides North America is the Portland, Oregon-based division of the nonprofit Two Sides global network, which includes more than 600 member companies. In countries across the globe, there’s a Two Sides telling the lesser-known sustainability story of print, paper and paper-based packaging.
Separating Fact from Fiction
“We tackle the relevant environmental and social issues facing the United States and Canada head-on first through research, then address consumer perceptions with factual, authoritative information,” according to the website, twosidesna.org. (Don’t confuse it with its counterpart at twosides.info that covers the rest of the globe.)
Two Sides is on a mission to expose myths and explain the paper industry’s sustainability story, which has too often gotten drowned out. The website gives stakeholders a fact-based foundation to help them make the case that paper products aren’t the enemy.
Lead Beyond Today: ENCORE 2026 Registration Is Now Open
Registration is officially open for the 2026 ENCORE Leadership Conference, and this year we're challenging leaders to do more than react to what's happening today. Join us for a full day focused on the people, technology, growth strategies and leadership habits shaping what comes next. Register by August 31 and save 20% with Early Enrollment pricing.
Read MoreNew for 2026: Early “Birdie” Pricing Is Here!
Grab your clubs, gather your foursome and save a little green while you're at it. Registration is open for GMA's 21st Annual Golf Tournament, returning October 6 to Royal American Links. Register by August 31 and take advantage of our new Early “Birdie” Pricing — 20% off!
Read MoreIs Going Digital Really the Greener Choice?
“Go paperless. Save trees.” It sounds simple — but the environmental story isn't nearly that simple. Digital communications rely on energy-intensive data centers, electronic devices and finite raw materials while generating millions of tons of e-waste. Two Sides North America takes a closer look at the facts behind paper, digital communications and the environmental claims businesses make every day.
Read MoreOne Click Is All It Takes: Is Your Business Ready for a Phishing Attack?
Cybercriminals don't always need sophisticated technology to get inside a business. Sometimes, all it takes is one convincing email and one employee clicking the wrong link. GMA partner Federated Insurance shares practical steps businesses can take to help employees recognize phishing attempts before a simple mistake becomes a costly problem. Plus, GMA members have two upcoming opportunities to take risk management even further with Federated's Risk Management Academy coming to Canton, Ohio, on August 27 and Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 23.
Read MoreThe Skills of Tomorrow Aren't Just Technical
AI is changing how work gets done, but technology is only part of the workforce equation. GMA partner Sedgwick explores why reskilling, mentorship, communication and human-centered leadership are becoming increasingly important as organizations prepare their people for what's next. It's also a timely reminder that developing tomorrow's workforce requires developing tomorrow's leaders.
Read MoreThe Hungry, Hungry Sales Machine
When you’re ready to launch your September-to-November sales blitz, you’ll need a strong list of prospects to keep your pipeline moving. This week’s Short Attention Span Sales Tip focuses on where those opportunities can come from and how to keep your sales machine fed.
Read More