Why is it important to reduce copier paper use?
The average U.S. government office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copier paper per year and the number is increasing. Even with the current standard of 30% post-consumer recycled paper, each government worker requires nearly one half of a tree per year for his or her paper use. By some estimates, the cost of printing, copying, storing, and mailing copier paper is 10 times the original purchase price of the paper itself. Another study (from the state of Minnesota) suggests the true total costs could be as much as 31 times the purchase price of paper. Thus, in addition to direct environmental benefits, reducing copier paper use reduces costs.
