[SustainableTompkins] GREENTIPS - Is Recycled Paper in Trouble? (3/07)

[Tony Del Plato]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Greentips - Union of Concerned Scientists <greentips at ucsaction.org>
Date: Mar 15, 2007 5:49 PM
Subject: GREENTIPS - Is Recycled Paper in Trouble?  (3/07)
To: Anthony Del Plato <tonydelplato at gmail.com>

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Is Recycled Paper in Trouble?
March 2007
Read this issue of Greentips online <http://ucsaction.org/ct/b72Rml11ezRX/>

The growing presence of recycled paper has led many people to believe that
all paper is now made from recycled materials. This unfortunate
misconception has actually decreased demand for recycled paper, causing
manufacturers to produce less. As a result, more than 90 percent of printing
and writing paper still comes from virgin tree fiber.

The benefits of producing paper from recycled fibers are many: fewer trees
cut down, less water and energy consumed, less pollution generated. And now
that studies have shown today's recycled paper products are comparable to
conventional products in quality, performance, and cost, the case for buying
recycled is stronger than ever. To help expand this market while meeting
your needs and budget, ask these questions when shopping for paper products:


*What is the percentage of recycled content?*

Recycled paper contains varying percentages of *post-consumer *waste (paper
that has been used and recycled by the consumer); the remaining recycled
content derives from miscellaneous paper mill scraps. While any recycled
paper is generally better than non-recycled, paper with a higher percentage
of post-consumer content is the best choice. If a percentage is not listed,
contact the manufacturer.

*Where did the paper originate?*

If you cannot buy a paper product that is 100 percent recycled, look for the
*Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)* certification label. This paper comes
from forests managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

*What about "tree-free" alternatives?

*Paper doesn't have to come from wood pulp; fibers from hemp, kenaf, flax,
cotton, banana stalks, and other plant-based materials can be used to
produce paper with fewer chemicals and less energy. Tree-free paper is
generally more expensive than its conventional counterpart, but is available
from a variety of companies. As with conventional paper, look for a product
with high post-consumer recycled content.

*How was the paper processed?
*
Papers (even tree-free ones) are often bleached with chlorine or chlorine
derivatives that form dioxin—a known carcinogen—and other compounds that
pollute local air and water supplies. Look for products labeled either
*processed
chlorine free (PCF)* or *totally chlorine free (TCF).*

*Related Links*

Conservatree—List of Recycled and Tree-Free
Papers<http://ucsaction.org/ct/gp2Rml11ezRd/>

Recycled Paper Coalition—Recycled Paper Fact
Sheet<http://ucsaction.org/ct/b12Rml11ezRc/>(pdf)

Forest Stewardship Council—FSC-Certified
Paper<http://ucsaction.org/ct/bd2Rml11ezRB/>
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