Pollution

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: Environmental Protection Agency

Forests

Increasing paper product demands put a strain on the availability of raw materials from our existing forests. Almost one billion trees a year are used for making paper. Recycling this paper after it's been used will extend the life of our valuable forests.

One ton of high-grade recyclable paper can substitute for approximately three tons of wood in making new paper products.

   Sources: US Forest Service, Solid Waste Management Branch, Environment Canada

Energy

Paper made from paper instead of virgin fiber requires up to 70% less energy.

Every one ton of recycled paper saves the equivalent amount of energy as: 53.2 million BTU's or 380 gallons of oil.

Every four tons of recycled paper saves the equivalent amount of energy needed to heat an average-sized home in New York State for an entire year.

   Sources: US Forest Service & Environmental Protection Agency

All Things Being Equal...

1 Ton of Recycled Paper = 3 Tons of virgin wood
1 Ton of Recycled Paper = 53.2 million BTU's
1 Ton of Recycled Paper = 380 gallons of oil
Multiply the annual tonnage by five = # of uncompacted cubic yards diverted from the waste stream each year