True Cost of the Paper Industry

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This week we discussed the topic of true pricing and costs of products. When consumers are truly aware of these, they are better able to measure and monetize their impact on the environment. Creating transparency between businesses and consumers allows for trust and builds a strong relationship among them.

I read an interesting article about the hidden costs behind the paper industry. Many people are aware that there is a need to recycle paper or "save the trees," but often times the one publicizing these arguments are among the paper industry themselves: publishers.


  • It's somewhat contradicting to see companies like Times and In Style to write about the greenhouse emissions' impact on the environment, when they are a big part of increase in CO2. Paper mills not only increase deforestation, but also emit chemicals into the atmosphere via their massive plants and structures.  
  • Hearst Corporation recently did a study on their own implications for their magazines and calculated their impact on the environment. After reviewing their disappointing results, they have developed a plan to become 'entirely carbon neutral.' Overall the publishing company has the goal to reduce their carbon emissions and essentially offset whatever is left over. 
  • Consumers of who purchase items among the paper industry don't realize the true costs associated with the purchases. For example, newspapers, magazines, catalogs and more have massive impact on the environment. According to a 2002 study by the EIA, Department of Energy, the paper industry emits the 4th highest level of carbon dioxide among manufacturers. 
Consumers must increase their awareness and purchasing behaviors if they care enough about their EF. Few people can see the scale at which this impact is having on the environment. Companies like Times and In Style must be more transparent with their impacts and offer alternative ways to view their publications, without contributing to global warming. 


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