The Benefits Of Purchasing Recycled Paper Greening your operation should not stop at less toxic cleaning chemicals. By: Mike Kapalko G Mike Kapalko, SCA Tissue North America’s sustain-ability marketing manager, works to promote health and environmental respon-sibility with customers by taking SCA’s holistic approach to manufacturing its Tork systems and cost saving solutions. Mike has more than 12 years’ experi-ence working in the away-from-home sanitary paper market and started his career in the commercial foodservice industry where hygiene and cross-contam-ination are constant areas of focus. for more info Visit www.cmmonline.com and type in search keyword: Sustainability . For more information on related products, visit www.cmmonline.com , select SUPPLIER SEARCH from the main navigation bar, and enter keyword: Paper . Green cleaning is a growing trend that favors using cleaning products with ingredients from renewable resources and non-toxic, biodegrad-able chemicals. However, purchasing environmentally friendly cleaning products isn’t the only thing to keep in mind when incorporating green aspects into your cleaning regimens. The type of paper used with these cleaning products can have just as big of an impact on the Earth and should be considered a priority when wanting to reduce your business’ footprint. Carbon footprints are generated when fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. There are two ways to generate greenhouse gases: Directly, by doing things like driving; and indirectly, when we purchase manufactured items such as paper. Non-recycled paper ends up in landfills, which degrades and produces the potent greenhouse gas called methane, thus contributing to global warming. By purchasing recycled paper, businesses can reduce the impact on forests, use less energy during the production process, eliminate the need for toxic chemicals and minimize water usage. Paper can also be recycled up to seven times before its fiber is no longer usable. Once a business decides to purchase recycled paper, the associated benefits help to shine a sustainable spotlight on your business and the buildings you clean and maintain. The reasons why a business should purchase recycled paper are clear, but once it has been decided to go this route, it can be a challenge to know what to look for in the growing landscape of environmentally friendly products. Check The Labels The recycling loop isn’t complete until the materi-als collected at curbside and drop-off sites are remanufactured into new products and purchased by businesses and consumers. Look for products that have high recycled con-tent, including high post-consumer content. 24 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • June 2010
CMM – Archives Jun 2010: 24
