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Washington State adopts new Recycling and Conservation Paper Law

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A new paper recycling and conservation paper law has been adopted by the state of Washington. On 6th May, 2009, Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire signed a new law that aims to alter the state’s paper consumption habits. The law aims to save a lot in terms of waste, emissions and money, and along with creating jobs. Rep. Lynn Kessler and D-Hoquiam co-sponsored the measure.


The Law

All state agencies and state colleges are required to purchase paper with 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, by the end of this year.

Any building with 25 or more employees is under the obligation to recycle 100 percent of the copy and printing paper used in the office. Such offices are required to cut down their printing and copying usage by 30 percent by July 2010. The main motive behind putting such obligations is that the law aims to reduce overall paper and print waste.


The beneficiaries

Not only will this law benefit our environment, it will also provide many incentives to varying parties.
The increased paper conservation and recycling requirements will save state taxpayers an approximate $1 million per year, predicts the state’s Department of Ecology.
This law will help open up new markets for green products created by blue-collar workers, creating jobs that will not be exported. For instance, there is a provision in the law to lease or purchase only those printers, which are capable of efficiently using 100 percent, recycled content white sheet bond paper, and also increased take back of paper for recycling and reuse. This will help to build infrastructure and create jobs in the state.

Savings

• 6,256 tons less wood consumption- equivalent of 43,000 trees

• 3.8 million pounds less climate-changing greenhouse gases-
equivalent of 346 cars per year

• 15.7 million gallons less water-equivalent of 24 swimming pools

• 2 million pounds less solid waste sent to landfills-equivalent
of 72 garbage truck loads

Let us hope similar laws are passed by nations around the globe. It is quite a feasible concept. Any increase in cost from purchasing the 100 percent recycled paper is compensated by paper-reduction strategies like double-sided printing and paper conservation programs.

Via: GreenBiz

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