MANISTIQUE – State Representatives Judy Nerat (D-Menominee) and Steven Lindberg (D-Marquette) announced today that the State House and Senate will now purchase their paper from Manistique Papers – a U.P.-based company. The paper is made from 100 percent recycled material and costs 20 percent less than the paper it is replacing.
"This change will benefit both our offices in Lansing and the Manistique company," Lindberg said. "Saving money while reducing waste means this change will be a win-win. We are protecting our natural resources, saving energy and reducing our carbon imprint."
The paper, which is purchased directly from the company, is 40 percent post-consumer waste and 60 percent pre-consumer waste and is not made from trees or virgin fibers. Workers at the facility produce the paper that will save $40,000 annually over the current paper used at the House and Senate. Manistique Papers employs 150 people.
Based on 2008 usage of paper for newsletters and booklets, switching to the new paper will save:
- 5,212 trees
- 110,367 gallons of water
- 30,658 gallons of gasoline
- 3,188,687 kilowatts of electricity
The House and Senate also have switched to using vegetable-based inks that carry the "Eco-Smart" certification for printed materials. In addition, they use printing plates manufactured in Michigan and recycle several tons of paper every year.
"Investing in a U.P. company is investing in U.P. workers," Nerat said. "These hard-working men and women are producing a product that will help us in our effort to save taxpayer money and protect Michigan jobs. This is a great move for our offices and great news for the U.P."