Sustainability and Paper: Debunking some Common Myths
Two thirds of adults in Great Britain worry about climate change, and those that do are more likely to make lifestyle changes to lessen their own feelings of personal responsibility. This rising concern has led to a shift in public perception of paper; it has become a bit of a taboo. Think about it; shops send you e-receipts, QR codes take you to restaurant menus, homework is done on iPads, and promotional flyers have become promotional emails.
People have grown to believe that the use of paper is unsustainable, and should be lessened wherever possible, replaced with digital alternatives. The idea that digital media is more eco-friendly than paper is perhaps the most pervasive myth that plagues our industry; it entirely disregards the environmental footprint of the digital world. Data centres and electronic devices in general consume vast amounts of energy, and e-waste is fast becoming a significant concern. As for the energy consumption associated with paper production, increasing numbers of paper mills have switched to renewable sources of energy, choosing instead to power their facilities with biomass in order to reduce their carbon footprint.
We are not here to argue that digital is the devil and print is perfect; it is true that irresponsible use of paper can harm the environment. Paper that ends up in landfill biodegrades but, in doing so, releases methane and drives global warming. Recycled paper, on the other hand, significantly reduces the demand for fresh timber and helps preserve fragile ecosystems and protect biodiversity, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Effectively this means that paper can be either sustainable or unsustainable, depending on how it is made and managed.
One of the ways we try to lessen our impact on the environment is by using FSC-compliant paper. The Forest Stewardship Council defines a strict set of standards that paper products must meet in order to prove that they are truly environmentally and socially responsible. All paper products with an FSC-certified label have a recorded chain of custody, from forest to manufacturer to merchant. Associated wood suppliers must work to prevent pollution, avoid displacing native people or harming wildlife, and plant more trees than are harvested. Sustainably managed forests also have incredibly impressive carbon sequestration abilities which helps them offset harmful emissions.
By understanding, the efficiency of paper recycling, and the ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of paper production, we can make more informed choices about the materials that we use. Paper, when sourced and managed responsibly, is a renewable resource that will play an integral role in a sustainable future.
So, rather than avoiding paper entirely, you should instead pay more attention to where your paper comes from, and how you dispose of it. If you are interested in working with us but would like to know more about how we source and manage our paper, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk you through it!
