Green Paper

In the early 1990s, as computers started to become a feature of office and home life, many people thought we were entering the ‘paper-less’ age. It didn’t quite happen like that. In fact, paper consumption may have even grown as more people produce information. According to Eco Paper, the paper industry is massive, accounting for 2% of world commerce and demand increases all the time. Paper accounts for 40% of municipal waste in the U.S. The cellulose and paper industry uses around one third of total production wood. In places like Brazil, the industry has replaced rainforest with non-native eucalyptus, with terrible consequences on water, biodiversity and air quality.

In the face of this worrying scenario, a switch to green paper can have an enormous benefit to the environment. Eco Paper, for instance, is one of the innovators in the business. It uses waste from bananas, coffee and tobacco, combined with post consumer waste, to produce paper.

The company’s R&D is also looking at possible ways to use the fibers from pineapple, orange and palm hearts. The company’s green paper is also free of acid--free. If you cannot find paper made from agricultural waste, there are many other options to make paper consumption greener. Recycled paper made from ‘post-consumer’ waste paper is widely available. It saves 60% to 70% in energy compared to virgin pulp. It also uses 55% less water and saves trees from being felled for the purpose of making paper. Often it is a source of new jobs.

Another well-known alternative for those looking for green paper is to look for Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, whose logo means the product comes from forests that meet the internationally recognised FSC Principles and Criteria of Forest Stewardship. Whatever you do with paper, make it as green as possible.