“Don’t waste paper.”
You’ve heard this phrase before – from your parents, teachers and bosses. It’s been preached for years and years and has unfortunately been misconstrued to mean, “don’t use paper.” As newspapers and publications have gone strictly online and paper goods have turned digital throughout recent years in order to “go green,” many forget that paper is a renewable resource meant to be used. 12 million more acres of forest exist today than 20 years ago – that’s because according to the UDSA Forest Service, 1.7 million trees are planted every day and 600 million are planted worldwide annually.
Paper is made in a very particular way: There are specific forests, usually called tree farms, that are meant for growing and harvesting trees just like farmers would harvest wheat or corn. Think about it: we don’t cut back on eating certain vegetables because there’s a fear we might run out; that’s because we know farmers who harvest their crops will plant more. This same concept is true for tree farmers. Tree farmers often plant 3-4 times more trees than they use.
Trees are renewable, recyclable and sustainable. As long as they’re harvested properly, they can be easily replanted and grown. In fact, there are now many certifications and requirements to ensure that sustainable forests are properly managed. The three major U.S. certification systems together certify over 107 million acres of U.S. forests, according to the American Forest & Paper Association. These forests are being maintained responsibly, ensuring that paper production does not harm the environment.
Recycling paper has steadily grown for over 25 years – 85 percent to be exact. Paper is one of the most recovered and recycled products that humans use. In 2012, over 65 percent of paper in the United States was recovered for recycling, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This dominates its metal, glass and plastic counterparts which amount to 35, 27 and 8 percent, respectively. Paper isn’t what you should be worrying about – it’s metal, glass and plastic. Wood fiber can also be used 5-7 more times in other products.
The combination of responsible tree harvesting and recycling has made paper an incredible renewable resource, bettering the environment as a result. So go ahead: print that email, buy printed textbooks, and make a few more copies of that handout. You’re not wasting paper; you’re simply using paper.