New Site Busts Myths, Promotes Sustainability of Paper-based Communication

Two Sides, the fast-growing non-profit organization established to promote the responsible production, use and sustainability of print and paper, has launched its U.S. website (www.twosides.us). The site, filled with facts from well-known, credible sources, provides an easily accessible resource for in-plants that want trustworthy information about the environmental impacts of paper-based communication.

“Print and paper have a great environmental story to tell, but that story often gets lost among misleading claims, misconceptions and one-sided communications,” says Two Sides President Phil Riebel. “On the Two Sides website, we present information from a wide range of authoritative sources—organizations like the World Resources Institute, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the U.S. Forest Service and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development—to dispel the myths and help people better understand the true sustainability of print and paper.”

• In addition to a “Myths and Facts” section, the website offers a host of other resources, including reports, case studies and news on the sustainability of print and paper, a question and answer page where website visitors can submit relevant questions, and links to networking opportunities like the Two Sides blog and social network pages. The site also provides information on how to join Two Sides and offers additional members-only benefits. To date, more than 50 U.S. companies have joined Two Sides, which started in Europe in 2008 and is now active in 12 countries.
• “Two Sides is helping our industry send a positive, credible and consistent message based on facts,” says Chris Creighton, president, PaperlinX North America. “Its presence in the U.S. will also greatly strengthen the international network committed to the sustainability of print media.”
• “With the proliferation of messages encouraging people to ‘go paperless,’ especially for environmental reasons, we believe it’s vitally important that people know the facts when it comes to the sustainability of print and paper,” Riebel says. “Print and paper rely on well-managed, renewable forests, have a great carbon story, and paper is the most recycled commodity in the world.

“Whether you’re a corporate paper buyer or decision maker, an environmentally consciously consumer or a journalist who needs to check facts for a news story, the Two Sides website provides a wealth of information with citations and links to original sources that show why print and paper is a sustainable communications choice,” Riebel adds.
Visit the new site here.