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Many publisher, printers and mills have already taken
significant steps to minimize their emissions of greenhouse
gases, and offset some of those that do still occur. Case
studies are available in the
Toolkit for Reducing
Climate Impacts. Using paper with postconsumer waste can significantly reduce
greenhouse gas emissions as it takes less energy to produce,
conserves trees (which absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere), and prevents the release of methane (a very potent
greenhouse gas) when the paper degrades in a landfill.
For some publishers, the greenhouse gas emissions associated
with paper use are ten times greater than all other sources
combined.
It is, however, possible to make significant reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions associated energy consumption at
offices and other buildings. Using postconsumer recycled paper
in printers, copiers and faxes, adjusting the thermostat,
upgrading to energy efficient lighting, and adjusting settings
on computers and other office equipment can result in
significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and savings
in energy costs.
While there are many opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and energy use, it is impossible to entirely eliminate
them. Many companies have begun to purchase renewable energy and
offsets for the emissions they do create. The money used to
purchase the offsets fund projects to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in another location thereby neutralizing the net
impact of an equivalent quantity of emissions.
For detailed information about the impacts of the book and
newspaper industries’ impacts on global warming, solutions to
the problem, and case studies about steps publishers, and other
industry stakeholders have taken to minimize climate impacts see
the Toolkit for Reducing Climate Impacts.
Learn more about reducing greenhouse gas emissions from
energy use
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