by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

I’ve been collecting used paper of all kinds for recycling for a few years now and, even though I successfully got off the junk mail lists on Green Dimes two years back, it’s amazing how quickly my bin fills up. I find some satisfaction in toting it off to the recycling center every month, knowing that by buying recycled and using recycled, I’m keeping my dirty paws off the planet – at least a little. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for most business – large or small. Even now, it is estimated that at least 60% of paper is still not recycled and only about 30% is made from PCW (Post Consumer Waste) – the minimum EPA requirement.

Traditional paper mills use several energy intense steps in production, involving carbon and other gas emissions, chemical and solid waste (usually flushed into waterways) and catastrophic amounts of water. Making paper from PWC rather than trees uses about 40% less resources, less energy and less pollution.

Not enough people know that paper recycling has become easier and more convenient than years past. You can include unopened junk mail – no “window” removal is required – and though it will depend on your local recycler’s guidelines, most often mixed paper can include colored paper and paperboard (sometimes called tag board, which describes most product packaging, like that of a toothpaste box (why is toothpaste in a box anyway?? Another reason to DIY!). BTW, glossy stuff can be added to magazine recycling. Some cities are including paper in their regular pick-up. If that’s not the case, you can most likely find a drop-off center near you to make an occasional drop.

Step One: Buy recycled paper supplies, office and school products. First, look for a locally-owned store in your area. If they don’t already have recycled supplies, request them! Although big box stores often offer a token amount of recycled supplies, it is smarter to support the companies who are exclusively green. Remember that the growth of environmentally responsible companies will force the paper industry towards higher levels of sustainability (and allow lower prices).

Next – go online. GreenLine Paper Company has been owned and operated by environmentalists since 1992 in York, PA. They’ve steadily expanded product selection and now include kitchen, bath, restaurant and cleaning supplies, as well as Fair Trade and Organic Coffee, Tea and Chocolate. They also reuse their shipping cartons and use only biodegradable packaging. Their goal is to educate consumers as well as sell responsible products. I’ve been ordering for years and can vouch for their quality and customer service.

Another company has more recently come onto the scene. The Green Office, established in 2005, offers great green and Fair Trade products and then some. They provide a wide range of supplies, including office furniture. Socially and environmentally, they’ve got it covered, with services including sustainability consulting and even retail high-quality cost-effective renewable energy and emission reduction credits (Offsets). The web site contains the most thorough and user-friendly information that I’ve come across at Offsetting 101. Their blog and newsletter will keep you up to date on the greening of corporate (and other) America and beyond.

Step Two: Recycle all the paper that comes into your world. Setting aside a bin in both your home and office gives you “throw-away” convenience without the guilt. Like so many things that once felt “normal” in daily living, recycling rather than trashing will become automatic. You’ll wonder what took you so long.

Tags: business, home

This entry was posted on Friday, August 24th, 2007 at 5:27 pm and is filed under Green Misc.. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.