Recycling paper. A good thing
Paper recycling is important because like glass, it is also a worth while recyclable resource. There is controversy on just how much is gained through recycling. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) states on its website that “a paper mill uses 40 percent less energy to make paper from
recycled paper than it does to make paper from fresh lumber.”
Recycling paper helps save trees—an excellent benefit for the environment. But just how many trees are saved? In a 1990 recycling awareness pamphlet published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated, “Every ton of paper recovered for recycling saves 17 trees from being cut down to make new paper.” The British Environmental Agency agrees. “The argument for saving trees has been used consistently to justify the recycling of paper.” In 2005, 51.5 percent of the paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling. The process of recycling paper is also very simple and manageable.
Recycling paper. A good thing.