According to the Natural Resource Defense Council, the paper industry contributes more to global warming than any other industry worldwide. Harvesting trees for paper reduces the CO2 offset trees normally provide, pollutes our waterways, and creates garbage. Paper products are thought to embody a third of all landfill space in our country. The average American office worker prints or copies 10,000 sheets of paper every year, with the average office sending 4 million tons of paper into landfills every year.

PRINTING AND COPIES

Two common office practices that are very detrimental to the environment are printing and making copies. Don't print a hard copy unless its absolutely necessary. Emailing and Scanning has given us the ability to send documents electronically, reducing the need to print hard copies. Even Personal Handheld Devices have the ability to accept emails, text messages, and even MapQuest directions electronically. Besides using recycled paper and only printing a document if absolutely necessary, the best thing you can do to conserve paper is to use both sides of the paper. Adopt a “Double-Sided” Policy. Consider adopting an organizational policy that will ensure all individual documents are printed on both sides of the page. Set Computer Defaults to Print Double-Sided. Set up computer software for default two-sided printing including word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, and others.

PERSONAL PAPER PRODUCTS

When it comes to personal paper products, the softer the better. Toilet paper, napkins, tissues and paper towels are all made from what's called virgin tree fibers because that's what the American consumer prefers. The problem is acres and acres of trees have to be cut down to meet this demand. Trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere, which is the leading cause of global warming.

According to a study by the Seventh Generation, if every household replaced just one four-pack of 400-sheet virgin fiber toilet paper with 100 percent recycled paper we could save 1,450,000 trees, 3.7 million cubic feet of landfill space, and 523 million gallons of water. Recycled paper products are available at every grocery store in the country so do your part and give them a try.

THE FACTS

Trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere which is the leading cause of global warming.