<P> Energy consumption is reduced by recycling , although there is debate concerning the actual energy savings realized . The Energy Information Administration claims a 40 % reduction in energy when paper is recycled versus paper made with unrecycled pulp , while the Bureau of International Recycling ( BIR ) claims a 64 % reduction . Some calculations show that recycling one ton of newspaper saves about 4,000 kWh ( 14 GJ ) of electricity , although this may be too high ( see comments below on unrecycled pulp ) . This is enough electricity to power a 3 - bedroom European house for an entire year , or enough energy to heat and air - condition the average North American home for almost six months . Recycling paper to make pulp actually consumes more fossil fuels than making new pulp via the kraft process ; these mills generate most of their energy from burning waste wood ( bark , roots , sawmill waste ) and byproduct lignin ( black liquor ) . Pulp mills producing new mechanical pulp use large amounts of energy ; a very rough estimate of the electrical energy needed is 10 gigajoules per tonne of pulp ( 2500 kW h per short ton ) . </P>
<P> Energy consumption is reduced by recycling , although there is debate concerning the actual energy savings realized . The Energy Information Administration claims a 40 % reduction in energy when paper is recycled versus paper made with unrecycled pulp , while the Bureau of International Recycling ( BIR ) claims a 64 % reduction . Some calculations show that recycling one ton of newspaper saves about 4,000 kWh ( 14 GJ ) of electricity , although this may be too high ( see comments below on unrecycled pulp ) . This is enough electricity to power a 3 - bedroom European house for an entire year , or enough energy to heat and air - condition the average North American home for almost six months . Recycling paper to make pulp actually consumes more fossil fuels than making new pulp via the kraft process ; these mills generate most of their energy from burning waste wood ( bark , roots , sawmill waste ) and byproduct lignin ( black liquor ) . Pulp mills producing new mechanical pulp use large amounts of energy ; a very rough estimate of the electrical energy needed is 10 gigajoules per tonne of pulp ( 2500 kW h per short ton ) . </P>
every tonne of paper recycled saves enough electricity to power a 3-bedroom home for how long
every tonne of paper recycled saves enough electricity to power a 3-bedroom home for how long
six months
six months