Are you part of the paper problem?

In the United States, we are very accustomed to purchasing our paper products (toilet tissue, paper towels, facial tissue, napkins) from the major players, with little regard for environmental impact. But deforestation is a growing concern around the world (as is the need to maintain our old-growth forests, which are very important storehouses for dangerous greenhouse gases) Here in the states, we are blessed/cursed with the plushest, heaviest tee-pee and tissues of anywhere in the world. But this need for 'thicker' and 'softer', and even whiter (chlorine bleach is used, which leaches into waterways), tissues, may not be the sustainable answer.

I've looked around for recycled content, chlorine-bleach-free paper and tissues, and have come up with only the visionary Marcal Small Steps brand (a decent product at a decent price, and with a great message/outlook, but only available in limited outlets, at this point), and Whole Foods Market's own brand, which is similarly natural and also made from 100% recycled content. Seventh Generation seems a bit too pricey, but other regional brands are popping up.

I've recently read that paper giant Kimberly Clark has unleashed their "Scott Naturals" line, which is a step in the right direction, too (if only after intense public pressure from Greenpeace). I've yet to see these products, but it's safe to say that I will be on the lookout.

And it seems that CVS is taking stock in this growing need for environmentally-conscious paper products,. with their own "CVS Earth Essentials" line. Now, if only major industry players like Kleenex and Puffs, as well as the big retailers like Walmart or Target would use their considerable clout with their own brands...time will tell.

Here are some links for more information:

NRDC's comparisons and a superb free pdf brochure

Greenpeace's tissue guide (with a nice free brochure and iPhone app, even!)

NRDC's take on the paper industry

Kimberly Clark's new sustainable line

Marcal Small Steps site


Q & A about recycled content toilet paper

The Paper Dilemma

Okay, so we all have to use toilet paper, and most of us are pretty well accustomed to using facial tissue (a.k.a. 'kleenex'), and likewise there's always a paper towel handy when you need to clean up that spilled drink. But do most of us think about the trees we are using, and the forests we are destroying whenever we wipe/blow/scrub? With billions of us humans all over the globe, that's a LOT of paper, and paper comes from trees, right? It's said that we, as Americans, use some 700 pounds of paper per year. That's a lot of trees.

Needless to say, I am all for keeping as many trees, wooded areas, and forests intact. I've seen several eco-conscious brands of paper products around, at natural food stores and such, but they are always uber-ultra-expensive. I am but a humble working-class guy with little income. Can't justify it.

Well, along comes Marcal Small Steps - a line of paper that says it's '100% recycled'. They apparently don't cut down ANY trees to make their paper products, and they haven't for 50 years! Sweet! I found some bath tissue priced at $5.99 for a 12-pack of double-sized rolls at a local farm supply store, and, at that price, I think I like it. Anyone else like this stuff? It's not the fluffiest, softest, etc. around, but does the trick better than some store brands. Here's a link to their website.

Marcal Small Steps

Stores like Meijer and Kroger seem to carry it, as does my local (regional) Rural King. Let me know your thoughts!