This week’s tip: Be responsible in your use of paper.

• Recycle your junk mail, newspapers, and other paper materials.
• Avoid paper plates.
• If you do want to use non-ceramic dishes and flatware, find recycled and biodegradable items (www.recycline.com, www.greenfeet.com and www.biodegradablestore.com).
• Use cloth napkins (several times before washing, if possible).
• Reuse paper towels and napkins for floor spills and clean-ups.
• When shopping for paper goods, choose those with the highest “post consumer” content you can find.
• Look for paper products labeled totally chlorine-free (TCF) or processed chlorine-free (PCF).
• Check www.nrdc.org/paper for an extensive list of green paper products.
• Switch to e-billing (phone bill, utility bill, bank statement, credit card statement, etc.)
• Use e-cards for special occasions.

Remember that compared to using virgin wood, paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhous gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and - of course - 100% less trees!