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Ways to Use Recycled Paper for a Company

Environmentally responsible companies find ways to use recycled paper in the office environment, as packing material or in the break room. Because of the processing method, recycled paper contains shorter fibers and is slightly more acidic than nonrecycled paper. This means the recycled paper is not as strong as regular paper, which is a consideration in its use. It can turn yellow and brittle over time, making recycled paper a poor choice for paper records that your company stores for extended periods, but it is well suited to meet short-term needs.

Procuring Recycled Paper
- When buying recycled paper from a vendor, ascertain the paper contains high levels of post-consumer content. Post-consumer content is recycled fiber from reclaimed consumer products. Recycled paper may contain some nonrecycled fibers. If so, the product should be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which determines if forest products were harvested in a responsible manner. Most paper is bleached, but the bleaching process should be done with nonchlorine bleaches, which are the best for the environment. Recycled paper products are marked PCF, for processed chlorine free.
Using Recycled Paper
- Expect recycled paper to have a life span of 10 years, which makes it ideal for short-term records. Recycled paper should be the paper of choice for scratch pads, adhesive notes and rough drafts. Recycled paper could also be used for internal company products that have a projected short-term use, such as internal phone directories or regularly updated user manuals. Recycled paper is a good choice for copies of original documents such as committee minutes and press releases. Paper plates, cups and paper towels in your company break room should all be made of recycled paper. In your shipping department, both packing filler and cartons should be recycled.
Reducing Paper Use
- In addition to buying recycled paper, encourage your employees to minimize paper waste around the office by reducing the overall use of paper. Writing on both sides of the page when using note pads or making double-sided printing a default setting is a great way to reduce paper use. Using single-spaced text whenever possible is another great way to reduce paper use. Buying reusable envelopes for regular interoffice correspondence is a great way to cut down on paper envelope use. The glue that holds bound paper together, called padding compound, can be used by industrious offices to create scratch pads.
Recycle-Conscious Decisions
- Establishing recycling bins in the office and reducing paper waste can also factor into decisions made in a company. For example, buying paper that comes in minimal packaging reduces paper waste. Paper packaged in individual reams increases waste without any significant benefit. Buying only the amount of paper necessary can also reduce waste since there is an environmental cost to storing paper indefinitely. Reduce the use of adhesive notes and envelopes with cellophane windows; these items lower the quality of recycled paper.

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