How to make your printing be more earth friendly
Trillions of paper reams are rotting in landfills slowly decomposing and releasing methane, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere – adding its small contribution to global warming. In my little home office I want to reduce my paper usage and figure out ways to green my printing, so I looked around the web for some solutions.
It seems crazy that most paper is made from cutting down trees, nearly half of the trees cut in North America go to papermaking. A fascinating article (part of a comprehensive look about paper usage) is on conservatree.org that gives an terrific overview on the history of paper making and the how paper making effects the environment. Another great article on how to print more greenly is at ezine articles.com on the process of eco friendly printing.
So what’s the best paper to use?
Conservatree rates and lists computer papers and give a great deal of information on choosing the best earth friendly paper.
Greenline paper sells a variety of green computer printing products and paper. The New Life DP 100 White Multipurpose Paper seems like a good choice where it is 100% Recycled Fibers, 100% post-consumer and is 100% Processed Chlorine Free and they claim is as good as non-recycled paper. 46.00 for 5000 sheets may be more than what you are used to but it is important to think of the environmental cost of using less earth friendly paper.
Paper made from trees has only been prevalent in the past 160 years or so. Previously it was made from rags and fibrous plants such as hemp. Hemp should be the future for paper but you don’t have to wait. From the NaturalZone Paper Products
“Hemp Heritage paper is made in the USA by pulping hemp textile cuttings blended with post consumer waste. We think you will agree that this paper communicates the state-of-the-art in style and environmental responsibility. Help renew the tradition of recycled hemp paper today!”
Contains 200 sheets of letterhead 8 1/2 x 11. Compatible with laser and ink jet printers.
Tomorrow, I will look at what some options might be with the printer itself in terms of making it more eco-friendly.
