June 2004
Commercial RethinkWaste Nexus
Transforming the Way We Think about Trash
Measuring the Benefits
Recycling and buying recycled products have lots of benefits: cleaner air, reduced energy and water use, and conserving resources. However, do you know how beneficial your recycling habits are?
Use the Paper Calculator to help you determine your recycling benefit to the environment. And, to reward yourself for a job well done, consider applying for an award!
Paper Calculator
The "Paper Calculator" calculates the U.S. average energy and wood consumption and environmental releases summed across the full "life cycle" of each of five major grades of paper and paperboard. Commissioned by the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, the calculator is a joint project of Environmental Defense, the U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Give the calculator a spin at www.ofee.gov/recycled/cal-index.htm.
- For the virgin content of a given paper, the Paper Calculator estimates the environmental and energy impacts associated with its production from wood and its subsequent disposal in landfills and incinerators.
- For the portion of a given paper produced with a specified percentage of post-consumer recycled content, the Paper Calculator estimates the impacts of its production from recovered paper and its subsequent recovery and processing for recycling.
Once you have considered your environmental costs, you'll see the best choice is to buy recycled-content paper. To learn more about buying recycled paper products, see the Conservatree Web site at www.conservatree.com, which can help you find the papers you need in the Environmentally Sound Paper Listings section.
Waste Reduction Awards Program
2004 Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) opened this month for California businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate exemplary resource conservation by reducing waste in the workplace. Now in its twelfth year, the awards program is sponsored by the California Integrated Waste Management Board to recognize businesses statewide for their commitment to environmental protection.
WRAP applications are being accepted now through June 30, 2004. Download the application at www.ciwmb.ca.gov/WRAP.
Factoid
Making paper from waste paper produces 73% less air pollutants and uses 61% less process water than when paper is made from virgin fiber.
Source: US Environmental Protection Agency
To be added or removed from this list, contact the RethinkWaste Recycling Coordinator at (650) 802-3500.
