CUTTING PAPER - What is this web site about? |
The paradox of paper is that while it is not too expensive to buy, it is considerably more costly to use. Also, while each sheet is quite cheap, we use so many that the total cost is considerable.
Most improvements will be straightforward and use technology already present. While it can be helpful to assess the environmental benefits of using paper better, always make sure to count the dollar benefits (all of them), as someone will want to know.
This site only addresses that kind of paper used in copiers, computer printers, and fax machines. We call it "copy paper", to distinguish it from the other kinds of paper used in offices, such as catalogs, cardboard boxes, and tissues.
The U.S. annually uses about 4 million tons of copy paper -- 27 pounds per person. Paper prices rise and fall, but at U.S. average prices we spend about $4 billion per year buying copy paper. Most copy paper is used in offices, and the average office worker uses about 10,000 sheets per year.
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