Every year, the US uses enough paper to build a 10-foot-high wall all the way from New York to Tokyo – and back! This accounts for 25% of waste in landfills, releases 721 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, and causes 68 million trees to be cut down in the process. 

Schools are a major contributor to this problem, consuming 32 billion sheets of paper annually (about 320,000 sheets per individual school). However, YOU can help stop this problem right now by petitioning for Hinsdale Central High School to transition from using virgin (blank) paper to paper made from recycled content. 

Recycled paper markedly helps the environment in various ways:

• According to greenschools.net, 1 ton of paper made from recycled sources saves 2,400 lbs of wood and prevents 734 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Compared to virgin paper, ScienceDirect states that manufacturing recycled paper consumes 28%~70% less energy and uses less water.
• There are virtually no differences in quality or health standards between blank & recycled paper.
• Although buying recycled paper will be slightly more expensive than using virgin paper ($0.5825/lb vs. $0.55/lb), the long-term benefits will soon be realized.

We frequently learn about global warming and climate-related disasters both on the news and at our own school, yet we often feel powerless to stop these catastrophes. However, by signing this petition for Hinsdale Central, we can help build a more sustainable future while inspiring other schools around us to do the same, one step at a time.