Down to Earth

Paper and electronic media can co-exist even in a more environmentally friendly tomorrow, despite popular misconceptions.

Well, according to Memphis, Tennessee-based International Paper's brochure "Pixels vs. Paper: Are pixels greener than paper?," they can.

"The piece highlights carefully examining the larger picture and that both pixels and paper have a place in the future," said April Bryan, brand manager for International Paper. "By linking paper with the efficiency of electronics, we can streamline our communications and help maintain the best environmental balance possible."

This brochure is part of International Paper's environmental series dubbed "Down to Earth." The company began launching the brochures last year as a means of explaining often "technical and complex" sustainability issues in terms that are simple and easily relatable.

Bryan noted this brochure has been its most popular information piece.

"The piece really dispels misconceptions about the issue in a way that is helpful for our customers," she said.

For example, the brochure gets the discussion rolling by encouraging customers to consider whether pixels are greener than paper. This question is important because many people believe electronic media are more environmentally friendly than paper and have a smaller environmental footprint. Before making that determination, International Paper advocates the right questions and knowing the facts of the various trade-offs between electronic devices and paper.

In addition, the brochure addresses the differences between paper and electronics in three key areas within the lifecycle of both products.

The first area is raw materials.

• Paper: One of the great things about paper is that its primary raw materials are renewable, according to the report. The 
paper and forest products industry replenishes more than it takes and ensures the sustainability of our forests by planting 1.7 million trees every single day. That's more than three times what is harvested.