making paper

[lucystrong]

does anyone have an idea of how much paper can be produced from one tree? just that i am being made to photocopy lots at work, and i wondered how many trees i was wasting each day

[Quizmonster]

Our local council's recycling literature claims (quote): "One tonne of paper from recycled pulp saves 17 trees." The answer to your question, therefore, is 1/17th of a tonne.

[natalie_1982]

One tonne is about 7000 newspapers, if you were interested :)

[BenDToy]

Don't be taken in by the absolute nonsense which is spouted on this theme. Saving paper does not "save" trees. Paper is made from trees which are grown and harvested specifically for that purpose. They would not exist if they were not to be used for paper. In most paper forests, For every tree harvested, there is at least one new one planted, and a growing tree is better for the environment that a mature one. So by using paper, it could be argued that you are improving the environment. I also think that it requires more energy to recycle paper, than to make it in the first place. The idea that you are saving trees by not using paper makes about as much sense as saving lettuce plants by not eating lettuces.

[pinus]

As a result of this question, I've just spent a fascinating time looking at the statistics for the paper industry HERE http://www.paper.org.uk/index.htm

[tomd]

Same way that being a vegetarian doesn't save animals. Why not reduce everything to A5?

[pinus]

Thanks for that, BenDToy.

[lucystrong]

thanks everyone! i feel better thanks to BenDToy's answer... but it doesn't mean that having to stand next to the photocopier, feeding in 500 sheets of paper, waiting for them to be reduced, rotated and printed double sided isn't a complete waste of my time!!!

[pinus]

That's a different question, and not teh one you asked. Who should be doing the job if not you?

[BenDToy]

Thanks lucystrong. Take comfort in the fact that you are gtting paid for doing it! Maybe not the most rewarding of tasks but someone has to do it, and maybe when you finish, the next job you are given will be even worse! And you will then have happy memories of it. ;o)

[lucystrong]

i have to do the job, i am not argueing with that, but it is still a thankless task! but it is true, i am being paid for it! and maybe the next job will be better (or worse!!)...