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 create 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 an average office sending 4 million tons of paper into landfills every year.

Solution? 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 message, and even MapQuest directions electronically.

RECYCLED PAPER

If you have the need to print, at least do it on recycled paper. Every major office supply store now carries recycled printing paper. According to the Natural Resource Defense Council, buying 40 cases of copy paper made from 30% post consumer paper instead of paper made from virgin pulp saves more than seven trees, 2,100 gallons of water, 1,230 kilowatt hours of electricity, and 18 pounds of air pollution.

THE FACTS

The average American office worker prints or copies 10,000 sheets of paper every year, with an average office sending 4 million tons of paper into landfills every year.