Stewardship Tip Sep12th, 2008 – Recycling Paper
Paper mills use a tremendous amount of energy and water to produce pulp from new and recycled materials. As part of the pulping process, chlorine compounds are used to bleach the pulp; these compounds are often found in the manufacturing effluent. In addition, the virgin fibers used to produce paper are sourced directly from trees. Some researchers have indicated that over 70% of these trees originate from biodiverse forests as opposed to tree farms.
We have done a good job of recycling our paper. In 2006, we diverted 82 million tons of material away from landfills and incinerators and over half of us in the United States had curbside collection programs. We can do more. We can become consumers of recycled paper. Here are three things to look for.
Choose paper that is high in post-consumer, recycled content: Pre-consumer material includes printer scraps, paper mill trimmings and magazines that never made it off the newsstands. Post-consumer material is paper that met its intended use and was recovered through a recycling program.
Choose TCF, ECF, or PCF labeled paper: Total Chlorine Free (TCF) indicates that no chlorine was used in the manufacturing process. Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) indicates that no chlorine gas was used; other elements that contain chlorine were used such as chlorine dioxide. Process Chlorine Free (PCF) indicates recycled paper that is re-manufactured into consumer paper without the use of chlorine.
Insist on responsible fiber sourcing: Ask your vendors for paper that sources wood fibers from independent, third-party-certified forest managers. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies foresters that employ the most environmentally and socially responsible forest management and restoration practices; products are readily available that are FSC Certified.
Why it is important to the Fish: Landscapes, deforested from excessive logging for paper manufacturing, erode into our streams, choking microorganisms, insects, and ultimately, our fish. When we recycle, we help to preserve our forests. Some estimates indicate that recycling 13,600 tons of paper accounts for the saving of 231,200 trees. When we choose to buy paper that is FSC Certified, we know that we are buying from stewards of the forest and are partners in maintaining a sustainable, low-impact industry. When we choose to buy paper that is high in post-consumer, recycled content, we know we are preserving trees.
When we select paper that is labeled PCF, TCF, or ECF, we are reducing the amount of toxins that we introduce into our waterways.
Healthy fish are the beneficiaries of our actions.
Trees are so important in our lives and no one knows them better than our friends at the Arbor Day Foundation.
This week’s sponsor-partner:Fly Fusion Magzine
Fly Fusion Magzine is a world-class, full color, print magazine and online publication that speaks to preservation of our sport through conservation Their partnership makes this week’s “Stewardship Tip” possible.
Rising demand for our weekly Stewardship Tip and a new partnership with Fly Cast America now makes the Stewardship Tip available in Spanish. Ahora, reciba el Stewardship Tip en español. Gentileza de Fly Cast America.
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