If you work in an office, chances are you use more paper in a day than you can keep track of. You're probably aware of the environmental benefits of recycling your paper, but have you ever considered how it can benefit your business? Below you'll find some shocking facts about paper consumption and the impact it has on the environment, as well as how recycling your paper can benefit the earth AND your business! Read on to learn more.
Offices Accumulate A Lot of Paper Waste
In a year, the average office worker uses 10,000 sheets, or 650 pounds of copy paper! All together, the United States generates about 69 million tons of paper each year. Many times, businesses can reduce their paper usage significantly by following a few easy steps. (Did you know, the average document is copied 10 times?) Try printing double-sided, reusing paper appropriately and being more cautious about sending documents to the printer!
Recycling your office paper can help divert waste from landfill
In 2014, paper and paperboard made up about 26% of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) stream. Even though it takes up a lot of space in landfill, paper is very easy to recycle and can be recovered about 5-7 times.
Recycling your paper saves energyIt takes around 60% less energy to produce paper from recycled fibers than it does to produce new paper. According to the EPA, if your business recycles just one ton of paper, it can save 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 380 gallons of oil and 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.
Recycling Your Paper Saves Resources
Nearly half the trees cut down in the U.S. are used to make paper. That means about 100 million trees are cut down each year. Help save some trees by recycling your office paper! Recycling one ton can help save about 17 trees.
Lower Your Operating Costs
Studies say the third most expensive operating expense behind rent and payroll is print. That's because nearly half of the waste businesses generate is paper. By recycling your paper, you can reduce your waste and significantly lower your operating costs!
Improve Your Sustainability Portfolio
Eco-friendly consumers respond positively to companies that recycle. According to Nielsen research, 66% of consumers are more willing to work with brands that are committed to sustainability.
Does your business recycle paper? If not, we hope that these paper recycling facts will encourage your business to start! If your business does, please let us know in the comments below some of the benefits you've noticed from recycling or tips on how your business makes it easier! Thanks for reading.
