Do you know the “Carbon Footprint” for Paper?

Today, you hear a lot about the “carbon footprint” of products, people and businesses. And rightfully so, since this measurement has an impact on the environment. But do you know the carbon footprint of the items you use daily, like paper? If not, you aren’t alone.

The carbon footprint is defined as the amount of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses that a person or business creates and releases into the atmosphere, both directly and indirectly. But what’s surprising about paper, is the carbon footprint isn’t what you’d think.

The Life Cycle
To understand the carbon footprint of paper, you need to look at the entire life cycle. This includes three basic elements:

·         Greenhouse gas emissions

·         Carbon sequestration

·         Avoided emissions

Each of these elements is influenced by factors that make the carbon imprint of paper smaller than you’d expect. For example, paper is manufactured from renewable resource that store carbon and manufactured using mostly renewable energy. Plus, paper is recyclable. Together, these factors create a smaller environmental impact for paper.

But what about greenhouse gasses?
You might be wondering if these harmful gasses are created during the paper manufacturing process. Nearly all greenhouse gas emissions from forest products in the U.S. are the result of fossil fuel combustion. The forest industry also burns large amounts of biomass fuels; however, the CO2 released from this type of combustion isn’t calculated into the greenhouse gas totals.

That’s because it contains “biogenic carbon,” which is created from living or recently living sources. Since this is part of the natural life cycle, it’s considered to be “carbon neutral.” 

Overall, because of the responsible practices of the forest industry, use of renewable resources – and your ability to recycle, the carbon impact of paper is less than most people think.  

Do you have thoughts about the carbon footprint of paper?
If so, please share by leaving a comment below.

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