If you're in charge of buying cleaning supplies, you've likely seen recycled and sustainable paper products. While the terms may seem interchangeable, these items vary in their origins and how they impact the environment. Choosing greener cleaning supplies is a small step businesses can take to lighten their ecological footprint. Here’s a quick guide to help you recognize the differences between the products, and find the best tool for the job.

Recycled Paper

Products and cleaning supplies made from recycled paper were, at one time, paper in another form. While recycled paper minimizes your impact on the environment, it's important to understand what occurs to make it usable. Mechanical processes that create the product utilize energy and chemicals that take a toll on the environment. Using recycled paper is better than traditional paper, but it’s not as eco-friendly as sustainable sheets. Common recycled products include paper towels, toilet paper, and office and printer paper.

Sustainable Paper

Sustainable refers to the forest trees that produce the paper. In these forests, workers maintain a balanced ecosystem by planting more trees than they cut. This method entails less processing and manpower, so it’s often more affordable than recycled items. Sustainable products, like wipes, paper plates, and napkins, are often available in the same options as recycled ones.

Make a positive impact on the environment by choosing to use recycled or sustainable paper products. Located in Honolulu, Lamers Enterprise provides cleaning supplies, paper products, and janitorial equipment to businesses throughout the state of Hawaii. Their inventory includes a variety of products like soap, sanitizers, water hoses, protective gloves, and extension cords. They also provide top-notch cleaning equipment like the Hydro-Force™ Olympus 1200 and Nobels® Speed Scrub® Scrubber. Visit them online to view their selection or call (800) 845-9365 to inquire about recycled or sustainable cleaning materials for your office.