Energy consumption is reduced by recycling, although there is debate concerning the actual energy savings realized. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) claims a 40% reduction in energy when paper is recycled versus paper made with unrecycled pulp.  While the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) claims a 64% reduction.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ (EPA) has found that recycling causes 35% less water pollution and 74% less air pollution than making virgin paper.

There are three categories of paper that can be used as feedstocks for making recycled paper: mill broke, pre-consumer waste, and post-consumer waste.  Mill broke is paper trimmings and other paper scrap from the manufacture of paper, and is recycled internally in a paper mill. Pre-consumer waste is material that was discarded before it was ready for consumer use. Post-consumer waste is material discarded after consumer use, such as old magazines, old newspapers, office waste, old telephone directories, and residential mixed paper.

Most recycled paper products on the market labeled "RECYCLED" contain little or no post-consumer waste (PCW) paper, only wood chips and mill scraps. Mill broke and pre-consumer recycled paper products do little to address the environmental concerns of deforestation and landfills full of potentially reusable waste paper. Purchasing paper products made with PCW are the most environmentally friendly, so pick the product labeled with the highest PCW percentage.

Another harmful part of paper the paper making process is bleaching.  The bleaching process used to make pure white and colored papers creates a toxic substance called dioxin that is polluting our air, soil and water. Dioxins are highly fat-soluble, so they accumulate in foods that contain fat, foods such as meat, dairy products, and mother's milk. Dioxins have just been designated as known human carcinogens by the government's National Toxicology Program. By using as many unbleached paper products as we can find in our stores and asking store owners to carry more of these products, we can take a step toward reducing this serious health risk to us all. Why buy white coffee filters when you can buy unbleached brown ones? They are going to turn brown anyway. Americans are the only people in the world who use white and brightly colored toilet paper. Buying unbleached, recycled content toilet paper takes us a big step toward conserving our natural resources.

Before you go shopping for your paper product like tissues, paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper take a look at this list the Natural Resources Defense Council put together of brands that use post-consumer waste recycled materials and are processed chlorine free (PCF).  For great stationary check out Modern Eco Stationary to purchase PCW recycled stationary like this Cupcake Birthday Party Invitation - Paper Culture Brown.

If you are feeling especially crafty you can even make your own recycled paper.  Watch this video to learn how.