Monday, February 11, 2008

Where's the Paper?

Worldwide paper consumption has plateaued worldwide after rising steadily for the past two decades, and the world's richest countries saw a 6 percent decline in paper use between 2000 and 2005. Some folks forecast that a paper-free world is nigh, and trends back up that prediction (Worldwide shipments of personal scanners nearly doubled from 2005 to 2007, and are expected to nearly double again by 2010.) Even ticker tape parades (such as the Giants' last week used much much less paper than in the 1940's. Efficiency is likely driving the trend more than eco-mindedness, but either way its good new for the trees and for us.

Source: Grist, NYTimes

3 comments:

Chris Kreussling (Flatbush Gardener) said...

I'm skeptical. I remember predictions of "the paperless office" back in the 80s. Then came laser printers.

Paper has qualities which will not be equaled easily by electronic media: portability, flexibility, durability, light weight, high bandwidth.

On the other hand, I've seen how digital photography has largely transformed the medium. It's certainly changed my photographic consumption.

Unknown said...

Just wanted to say that what you're doing is awsome! I hope you'll keep up the good work for years and years to come. You're an example to us all of what people can do if they put their minds to it.

I join you in your "no disposable water bottle challenge." Good luck with everything!

Joanna
Owner of and list mom for the Israel Wholistic Forum

miles ross said...

awesome blog! maybe you would want to link my blog

i just started blogging. i am environmentally conscious and work in NYC. in my blog, i want to focus on awareness, and personal 'greening'. i am in the news broadcast business and will one day be an environmental journalist.

i'm linked to tao lin, a young brooklyn writer who gets lots of hits. he is a vegan and promotes being vegan.