Recycled Paper Myth Busters

Myth: Recycled paper is flecked with plant parts, so it's hard to write on.
Fact: Recycled paper is almost identical to the paper made without recycled content, except that it is better for the environment. The only way to really tell the difference is to look carefully at the label on the package. (Paper with flecks is made that way to look "natural.")

Myth: There are plenty of trees, so we don't have to worry about buying recycled paper.
Fact: Nearly 80% of the world's original old growth forests have been logged or severely degraded already, and we have lost 95% or our old growth forests in the United States. While many of the trees used to make paper are grown on plantations, or "tree farms," some old-growth trees are still used. Also, recycled paper saves more than trees. Compared to virgin paper, making recycled paper uses less energy and water, creates less air and water pollution, and results in less paper being sent to landfills.

Myth: If companies cut down trees and then plant new ones in their place, there's no problem.
Fact: When companies plant new trees they often plant them in tree plantations. The trees are planted in rows to make harvesting easier. In many cases, pesticides and fertilizers are used, which can wash into waterways. Plantations also aren't real forests. They contain only one tree species and few other plants, so they can't support much wildlife.

Myth: Hardly anyone uses recycled paper.
Fact: Lots of people use recycled paper, and the number is growing all the time. For example, the federal government requires all of its departments to buy recycled paper. All 50 states have some type of law or executive order that encourages the purchase of recycled paper or products. And lots of schools and businesses also buy recycled paper.

Myth: Recycled paper jams in printers and copiers.
Fact: Recycled paper works just as well as non-recycled paper does.

Myth: Most paper used today is made from recycled paper.
Fact: Today, more than 50% of the printing and writing paper made in this country still uses virgin timber fiber. To find the best paper to buy, look for the special label and the highest percentage of recycled content. For the most environmentally friendly paper, look for "100% post-consumer waste" paper. And if it's process-chlorine free, that's even better.

Myth: Recycled paper is more expensive.
Fact: Recycled paper can be more expensive, but it isn't always—and the prices are dropping. For example, a ream of copy paper made with 30% post-consumer waste is only $3.49 at Staples. The exact same non-recycled ream costs $3.99. Like any other product, the price varies by brand. Sometimes 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper may cost more, but shop around for a good price. As more people buy post-consumer waste recycled paper, the price will continue to come down.

Myth: Recycled paper will become the most common type eventually, so we don't have to worry about it now.
Fact: The United States makes and uses more than 80 million tons of paper every year, but less than a third of that is from recycled sources. So we have a long way to go. Stores need to hear from shoppers like you. Recently, the Paper Campaign (a coalition of organizations) encouraged people all around the United States to ask Staples to provide better paper. Now, Staples has made a pledge to increase the post-consumer waste content in all the paper products it sells.

Myth: Recycling paper is a waste of time, and it ends up in landfills anyway.
Fact: Recycling paper is never a waste of time. When you recycle paper you are supplying paper companies with an alternative to cutting down trees. Simply put, the more you recycle, the fewer trees need to be cut down. And buying recycled paper also saves energy and water. It is important to both recycle used paper and buy recycled paper that contains a high percentage of post-consumer waste.

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