2. Everybody Knows That Paper
Has an Environmental Impact.
How Much?
Producing one sheet of paper is
responsible for about .03 pounds of
carbon dioxide equivalents (greenhouse
gases).
Producing one sheet of paper from
recycled content is responsible for about .
017 pounds of carbon dioxide
equivalents.
3. Effect of Paper on Biodiversity
Trees around the world are being cut
down and replaced with quick growing,
paper producing varieties.
This process reduces biodiversity by up to
90 percent.
4. What If You Use Electronics
Only?
An iPad releases about .004 pounds of
carbon dioxide equivalents PER HOUR.
That looks like electronic wins. But do
electronics have other impacts on the
environment?
5. Metals Used in Manufacturing
Electronics
Rare earth metals are required, e.g.
coltan.
Mined in environmentally sensitive areas
like the Congo.
6. Disposal of Electronics
Since the advent of flat screen technology, it
has become difficult to recycle old cathode
ray tube (CRT) monitors.
Warehouses full of CRTs are being
abandoned.
CRTs are being dumped along roadsides.
Lead from CRTs is contaminating soil and
water.
New flat panel screens contain toxic mercury.
7. Both Paper and Electronic
have Environmental Impacts
What’s an environmentally concerned citizen
to do?
If you use paper, use 100% recycled paper.
Use your electronic devices as long as you
can rather than buying every new device to
come out.
Recycle when possible.
Use EPEAT’s environmental impact tool for
purchasing electronics.
9. References
Palmer, Brian. “Green Your Notes.” Slate 6
Sept. 2011. Web. 19 Mar. 2013.
Urbina, Ian. “Unwanted Electronic Gear
Rising in Toxic Piles.” New York Times 18
Mar. 2013. Web.
10. References
Palmer, Brian. “Green Your Notes.” Slate 6
Sept. 2011. Web. 19 Mar. 2013.
Urbina, Ian. “Unwanted Electronic Gear
Rising in Toxic Piles.” New York Times 18
Mar. 2013. Web.
