3 Paper Fact Sheet
3 Paper Fact Sheet
3 Paper Fact Sheet
cards,
greetings
Paper production is the third most intensive use of energy in industry, accounting for 11.3% of all
industrial energy used.
One single sheet of A4 paper uses (and contaminates) one third of a litre of water in its manufacture.
Each tonne of 100% recycled paper (1,000,000 A4 sheets) saves:
26 trees [12 metres in height and 15 - 20 centimetres in diameter]
26769 litres of water,
4,5 kw hours of electricity,
30 kg of air pollution
Toilet tissue is the one paper that can be made from 100% recycled pulp. Yet less than 10% of all toilet
tissue sold contains a high proportion of recycled pulp according to a survey carried out by WWF. The
majority is made from 100% virgin pulp.
Many toilet roll packs now carry the mark of the Forestry Stewardship Counil (FSC) which indicates that
the pulp comes from managed forests. Whilst this is better than pulp from natural forests it should be
pulp from recycled sources.
Avoid wasting paper in the first instance. We take its availability for granted but precious resources
are used to make it - namely our forests. It's manufacture also uses vast amounts of energy, the
majority of which is produced from fossil fuels.
When you can find no further use for it, make sure it is recycled.
Whenever you buy any paper products, try to buy those with a high recycled content. Make a point of
asking for them.
References
European Environmental Paper Network
http://www.environmentalpaper.org/
www.christian-ecology.org.uk
MODULE 2: Waste
ACTION
Do not print out from your computer unless it is essential. If you must print, always print double sided.
Always use recycled paper for your printouts. If your local retailer doesn't stock it, ask them to.
If you are responsible for your church magazine, ensure that it is printed on recycled paper. If it is not,
then ask why not.
Do not accept flyers, leaflets or free newspapers unless you really need them.
Share newspapers and magazines with friends and neighbours. Better to read online. This is now
possible with most major titles.
Always re-use envelopes. Reserve the use of new ones for special occasions.
If you have to buy new envelopes make sure they are made from recycled paper.
Before finally comitting paper to the recycling bin, always check for blank areas. These can be used for
notes instead of post-its.
Use washable fabric handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues.
Resist the urge to take paper napkins in cafes. Use fabric napkins at home.
Always buy 100% recycled toilet tissue. If your retailer doesn't stock it, ask them to. Do not be fobbed
off with FSC rolls!
Avoid the use of paper kitchen towels. Use washable fabric cloths instead.
Sign up to the Mail Preference Service (http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/) to avoid junk mail.
Return junk mail to sender asking to be removed from their database (Often a free post envelope is
enclosed. This will cost them money if you use it!).
Never tick the box on the form saying you would like to receive further information. Better to use their
website if you are able; or make a telephone call.
www.christian-ecology.org.uk