FORESTS

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to save forests

By reducing paper consumption, and recycling the paper that we do use in our synagogues -- as well as our schools and workplaces and homes -- we can follow the law of bal tashchit (which is derived from a biblical verse about saving trees), save money and resources, and limit further depletion of creation.

Reduce

• Use e-mail instead of paper memos; reduce the number of messages that you print out.
• Set the default switch on your photocopier to double-sided or attach a friendly reminder on the machine.
• Avoid making a habit of using disposable plates and utensils.

• Reuse paper that is clean on one side for in-house drafts, notes and photocopies. Reuse cardboard boxes of the right size to keep a stack of such reused paper, clean side up, near printers and copiers.
• Conduct research online and at libraries rather than ordering lots of written materials.
• Share periodicals with associates instead of receiving multiple copies; make newspapers available in common areas.

Recycle and Buy Recycled

• Recycle office paper, newspapers, cardboard, magazines, colored paper and scrap wood. Make sure you’ve done the research to know what goes where.
• Buy copier paper, paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper with at least 50% "post-consumer recycled content." The higher the post-consumer content, the greater the amount of materials that have been through the entire recycling process - and the greater the savings of precious natural resources and energy. This, called ‘closing the loop,’ is the most important part of recycling.

  Background information and resources for recycling include:

• Coop America's WoodWise Program: everyday forest friendly tips
• Global Recycling Network: recycled-content product information
• National Office Paper Recycling Project: how-to guides on setting up and promoting office buy-recycled and recycling programs
• National Recycling Coalition

What's the state of recycling in your area?
State recycling hotlines can help you find out about recycling in your area. Some numbers are given below; if your state isn't listed, or if the number no longer works, call your state waste management agency (usually ‘Department of Environmental Protection’ or ‘Department of Natural Resources’). Local or statewide environmental groups can also help with this: most areas have Audubon and Sierra Club chapters, as well as unique groups like “1000 Friends of…” Even the information pages of your local phone book may have recycling information. It’s worth spending a little time to find out what works, so that literally tons of materials can be taken out of the waste stream.

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