Sodexo Calculates Environmental Savings of Recycled Paper

Published March 31, 2008

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — One year after switching to recycled paper napkins in 1,300 of its U.S. food service operations, Sodexo has calculated the impact of the change.

By using two types of recycled napkins, the food and facilities company saved more than 23,000 trees, nearly 10 million gallons of water, 5.5 million kilowatts of energy and 500,0000 gallons of oil. Also, by avoiding the use of virgin paper products, the company kept 41 tons of pollutants out of the air and kept 4,131 cubic yards of paper out of landfills.

The calculations were based on figures from a U.S. EPA study showing every ton of 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper saves up to 24 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 4,100 kilowatts of electricity and 60 pounds of air pollution.

Sodexo is also introducing new dispensers that allow only one napkin to be dispensed at a time. In preliminary use, the dispensers have reduced paper use by 25-50 percent at some sites.

"These recycled products and dispensers that reduce waste are simple, easy and effective ways that Sodexo is helping our clients to be more environmentally responsible. These calculations demonstrate how little things add up to a truly significant impact by implementing environmental programs across our company," Arlin S. Wasserman, vice president for corporate citizenship, said in a statement.

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Sodexo Calculates Environmental Savings of Recycled Paper

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