| Recycled paper is easily accessible, usable, and | | | | paper pulp. The paper mill can manufacture the paper |
| affordable, and there are two kinds of recycled paper | | | | pulp internally to make recycled paper. |
| available. Pre-consumer waste is scraps from the | | | | Post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper is paper |
| paper mill used to make recycled paper, and | | | | that has been printed on and used by consumers or |
| post-consumer content recycled paper is made from | | | | commercial entities. There are different amounts of |
| paper that has already been used and recycled by the | | | | PCW used in recycled paper, and these are noted on |
| consumer. Using recycled paper instead of virgin forest | | | | the packaging of paper products including copy paper, |
| fiber paper reduces energy consumption by 44%, net | | | | letterhead, and envelopes. The Environmental |
| greenhouse emissions by 38%, particulate emissions | | | | Protection Agency requires a minimum of 30% PCW |
| by 41%, wastewater by 50%, solid waste by 49%, and | | | | to allow paper to be called “recycled.” 100% |
| wood use by 100%. Knowing the difference between | | | | post consumer waste recycled paper is readily |
| post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled fibers will | | | | available, and significantly more environmentally friendly. |
| help purchasers make educated choices on paper | | | | When purchasing paper products, look for 100% PCW, |
| products. | | | | as well as 100% processed chlorine free (PCF) |
| Paper scraps and trimmings from a paper mill are | | | | products, both of which are clearly marked on |
| called “mill broke” and these are also known as | | | | package labeling. These standards exceed the EPA |
| pre-consumer content or waste. These paper scraps, | | | | requirements, and are the best environmental choice. |
| which have never reached there end use, can be | | | | Chlorine-free bleaching methods avoid the production |
| recycled back into paper at the mill. It is typically from | | | | of dangerous toxic residues during the bleaching |
| printers’ trimmings or damaged paper rolls, and | | | | process, which pollutes rivers and streams and can be |
| when mixed with water, it can be turned back into | | | | harmful to the health of wildlife and humans. |