SHOPPING FOR
ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PAPER
SHOPPING FOR
ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PAPER
Article provided by: The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)STEPS YOU CAN TAKE NOW TO MAKE THE PAPER YOU USE EASIER ON THE ENVIRONMENTWe all use paper--lots of it. The average American uses nearly 700 pounds of paper a year: twice as much as in 1960, and still growing.
All this paper affects the environment, because making it uses energy, consumes natural resources, and creates air and water pollution. And throwing away paper creates one-third of municipal solid waste.
We don't have to stop using paper altogether to help the environment, but using less is important and the paper we do buy should be"greener." Greener paper is easier on the planet because it's used efficiently and made with higher recycled content, cleaner manufacturing processes, and better forest management.
Whether you buy paper for home, school, a small business, or a large corporation, you make a difference every time you ask for environmentally preferable paper.
Send a signal.
Let the office supply stores, copy shops, printers, paper vendors, and other places you buy paper know you're looking for paper that meets your needs for price and performance...and that's easier on the environment.
Be persistent.
At first, salespeople may not understand every environmental concern or recognize certain technical terms. Some might even say they don't think they can meet your needs. But new paper products are becoming available all the time, prices are constantly changing,. and many myths about paper and the environment are being overturned. So keep asking!
Comparison shop.
Work with the paper suppliers who best help you build environmental considerations into your everyday paper purchasing decisions
Follow through on your commitments.
When you find "greener" paper that meets your needs for price and performance, buy it! By purchasing greener paper, you reward the paper companies that make the best products. And as more people ask for environmentally preferable paper, profit-minded paper companies will make more of it. It's as simple as that! Use less paper, recycle more, buy recycled, support cleaner papermaking, think forests.
RELATED LINKS:
EPA Nationwide Recycling Hotline: 1-800-CLEANUP
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