Center for Earth Leadership
ecotips
Papermaking is one of the largest and most resource intensive industries in the world. Logging can destroy ecosystems, cause erosion, and release carbon into the atmosphere. According to US government figures, pulp and paper manufacturers are the fourth largest industrial emitters of greenhouse gases and in the top five in emissions of toxic chemicals into water and air. Paper is also the largest component of our land filled waste. The good news is that recycling greatly reduces these impacts, and paper fibers can be recycled about eight times before becoming too short for papermaking.
Simple, positive change
• Purchase 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Post-consumer means the fiber was returned to a manufacturer through a recycling program. Paper labeled only recycled can refer to factory scrap that never left the mill.
• Today's recycled paper is perfected for use in copiers. Choose from these brands available locally:
o Harbor 100 from Arvey’s, Paper Plus, or Paper Zone
o Boise Aspen 100 from Blue Ribbon Business Products
o Office Max 100 from Office Max
o Staples 100 from Staples
o Envirocopy from Office Depot
• Non-chlorine-based bleaches are best for the environment. Look for recycled paper that is PCF (processed chlorine free) or virgin paper that is TCF (totally chlorine free).
• The Forest Stewardship Council certifies forest products that use fibers harvested in a responsible manner. Look for FSC when purchasing paper with virgin content.
• 100% tree-free papers, such as kenaff or bagasse are also a good choice.
Questions or feedback? Contact Jeanne Roy at jeanne@earthleaders.org.
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