Often we hear and think that every grade of paper should contain recycled fiber. That this is the most environmentally approach. This may not be the case when we look at the science which is what Sappi Fine Paper did.

There is more to using recycled fiber than the amount of paper being recycled. To use recycled fiber in paper products different processing techniques such as de-inking and bleaching need to be done to the fiber. These techniques have an impact on the enviroment. To create a “higher quality” product there is more processing required for using the recycled fiber.

For example, to use fiber in coated graphics applications the fiber must be deinked and bleached, which requires high levels of electrical energy as well as bleaching chemicals and results in a lower yield (more waste).

On the other hand, recycled fiber can be used in applications like egg cartons, paper board packaging (e.g., cereal boxes) or paper towels typically without requiring deinking or bleaching—a better use for recycled fiber.

Read the full report at http://www.na.sappi.com/eQ/insights.html

There is a great exhibit going on now through January 2010 at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in NYC. This exhibit showcases different items created using sustainable material.

http://www.nature.org/design/?src=spl4

Did you know? Twenty percent less CO2 is used per year by a person reading a daily printed newspaper versus a person reading web-based news for 30 minutes a day.

International Paper has created a series of publications to help clear up some of the myths and misconceptions about our paper and the forest products industry to help customers better understand environmental topics.

Pixels vs Paper is a must read to really see and understand if electronic is better than printed.

Pixels vs Paper PDF

Where does your paper come from PDF

Recycled vs Virgin Paper PDF

For more information visit International Papers

Visit utopia’s new green zone to get all the information you need on utopia papers, green papers, green printing and what it all means.

http://www.appletoncoated.com/greenzone/

62 Trillion:
The number of spam emails sent out in 2008.

33 Billion:
Kilo-watt-hours of energy used by spam.

2.4 Million:
Homes that could be powered by wasted energy.

131 Kilograms:
Annual carbon dioxide the average business user is responsible for in email-related emissions.

3.1 Million/2 Billion:
Cars/gallons of gas to which wasted spam energy equates.

Source:
McAfee and ICF International
The Carbon Footprint of Email Spam Report