In 2007, 56% of the paper consumed in America was recycled. The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) says that the mark was achieved 5 years sooner than expected. And now the group is setting a new goal of 60% by 2012.

“Industry is demonstrating a real commitment to environmental sustainability by continuing to set and achieve aggressive paper recovery goals,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.  “Whether at home, school, or work, paper recovery is something we can all do to make a difference.”

The 54.3 million tons of paper recovered last year amounts to 360 pounds for every person in America. Now, you can certainly argue that with fights over the remaining forest resources and human activity impinging on wildlands , the U.S. should be setting its sights much higher. When you consider that 25 million tons of recycled paper offsets the annual CO2 emissions of 18 million cars, the equation becomes even clearer. However, to put things in perspective, the 2004 paper recycling rate in Europe was only 54.6%.

As we switch over to electronic forms of communication, we'll need less paper. According to the PayItGreen Alliance, the average family can avoid the release of 63 gallons of wastewater and avoid producing 171 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions by receiving and paying bills online.

Unfortunately, the age of the paperless house or office also means mounting piles of e-waste from old computers, CrackBerries, and other trashed electronics. To combat this problem, Canada is considering recycling fees on televisions ($10) and computers ($13). The idea is to encourage manufacturers to make less harmful products, but in the short run, the fees will help pay for depots where consumers can take their lo-def TVs and People PC's for green disposal.