Alaska Conservation Solutions

Background

The paper industry emits around 10% of all industrial carbon emissions in the United States. (Source: eia.doe.gov) Each piece of paper you use is filled with indirect emissions from the production of the paper. Recycling paper, while releasing emissions as well, releases much less emissions than the production of new paper does.

Carbon Savings

5 pounds of carbon per ream of paper. (Source: stopglobalwarming.org)

Take Action Now!

Recycled paper costs around a dollar more per ream than regular paper, and can be found at most office supply stores.

• When shopping for recycled paper, look for how much of the paper is recycled. Boxes will be labeled with “35% post-consumer recycled” or “70% post-consumer recycled.” The higher the percentage, the greater amount of your paper is recycled, but also the greater the cost of the paper.
• This website allows you to calculate the savings you can make by switching to recycled paper!
• Try to use 100% recycled paper if at all possible. This is harder to find but is stocked at Office Max and Northern Office Supply, and can be ordered online at Office Max's website or at Northern Office Supply's website .
• Also, when printing, try to print double-sided so that you use less paper. Use print preview to make sure you're not printing unnecessary extra pages.
• If you're printing a large document or unimportant document, set your quality to “draft.” The text will be lighter but still legible, and will use much less ink.