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PrintCOLUMBIA — Missouri newspapers reported an increase in the percentage of recycled newsprint they used in 2007 to meet a quota set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The goal for newspapers was to use at least 50 percent recycled paper.
This quota was not met in 2006, when newspapers used only 49 percent, Missouri Department of Natural Resources said.
The amount of paper recycled was 70,648.68 tons, as reported by the Department of Natural Resources.
Under a Missouri law established in 1993, newsprint publications that have a circulation of 15,000 or greater are required to report the amount of recycled content they use. Of the 58 newspapers that responded to the department, 39 of them used at least 50 percent recycled newsprint.
“The goal of 50 percent has been reached a couple of times, and we’re constantly improving,” Andrea Morrow, public information specialist for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said. “It would be wonderful if every newspaper used recycled newsprint. We’re hoping that the recycled paper is more available and more affordable in years to come.”
The Jefferson City News Tribune reported using 75 percent recycled material, which was one of the highest percentages reported in the state for 2007. This percentage includes the Columbia Missourian, which is printed by the Jefferson City News Tribune, said Mike Vivion, general manager of the Tribune.
“We make a conscious effort to get above the 50 percent goal,” Vivion said.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources hopes this effort will continue to make an impact on the environment.
“The more we recycle, the better it’s going to be,” Morrow said. “It makes a large difference in Missouri, across the nation and the world. It uses less energy to create newspapers from recycled paper than virgin materials.”
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