We all thought the popularization of computers, the internet and e-mail would make paper obsolete and give birth to the still elusive 'paperless office'.  Actually, for whatever reason, paper is now more popular than ever!  Canadian consumption of paper for printing and writing went up from 1.2 million tonnes in 1983 to 2.9 million tonnes in 2003 according to statistics Canada. That's a lot o' paper... more importantly, that's a lot of trees! 

 Yes, more and more paper is being recycled and given second life but watch out for 'green-washed' paper companies that claim to make a post-consumer product that actually only contains 20% recycled paper and 80% fresh cut trees.  Or a ratio similar to that.

What can you do?

Make the switch to 100% post-consumer paper products at home and at the office.  If you're not in a position to make these choices at the office, open up a conversation with the person who is. 

There are other options to consider when looking at green printing practices.  First of all, there are other paper products to consider made of fibres that replace tree pulp altogether.  Paper made from hemp or spelt or other fibers are an option.  These products usually contain a certain amount of post-consumer (recycled) paper to supplement the high cost of these alternative fibres. 

Ink and the type of printing press used in the printing process is also something to consider for their environmental impacts.  Vegetable based inks are now being used in printing as a green alternative to traditional, toxic inks.  As far as presses go, we should strive to support water-free presses.  Traditional printing presses use up a lot of clean drinking water to do their printing. 

Lastly, avoid printing anything 'glossy' if you can.  Glossy finishes are achieved by using toxic chemicals and complicate a paper's recycling potential.

Like every other green practice conservation is king.  So don't print frivolously.  Check for mistakes before printing to avoid re-printing, use both sides of white printer paper for personal notes and always recycle when you're done using any paper products (Also See: 'Stop Double Standard Environmentalism').

There are many green printing shops and consultation businesses in Toronto.  Look one up.