Brussels, Belgium, – International Paper, the world's largest paper and packaging company, has produced "The Little Book of Commonsense" – a 24pp informative guide to sustainability and the paper industry.

"The Little Book of Commonsense" demonstrates and illustrates how and why to get the best usability from paper and dispels some of the most common mis-conceptions concerning paper and its performance, and in particular its sustainability in terms of the environment.

It illustrates that today, even in a global digital world, paper is as relevant as it has ever been for learning, productivity, creativity and sustainability.
"The Little Book of Commonsense" asserts that paper is still the backbone of learning - through reading, writing or drawing. After all, as any well-informed teacher would confirm, a paperless classroom would be cheating our children.

As the booklet indicates – paper is for everyone. It doesn't depend on local access to electricity, connectivity or software compatibility. What's the best way to get everyone's brains working together and achieving real synergy? Give everyone a piece of paper and a pencil. After all, new ideas and new thinking flow much faster on paper.

As for its environmental credentials paper is surprisingly sustainable. Every year more trees are planted than harvested. That's one of the reasons why there is over 30% more forest in the EU than there was 50 years ago. Younger trees are also much better at absorbing carbon. All paper-based forest products trap carbon and store it until it is recycled.

So as "The Little Book of Commonsense" states, next time you see "think twice before printing this email", don't think twice, think three times. "I can be proud to print because when paper is used a whole lot more trees are planted." Secondly, "The paper I'm using comes from sustainably managed forests that are helping to fight climate change." And third, "How will I recycle it once I'm done to make sure it stays a virtuous circle?"

Mike Robertson, International Paper's Country Manager UK stated, "In 2011, we produced "The Little Green Book" which proved extremely popular, we are confident that "The Little Book of Commonsense" will again prove a popular tool to promote paper."

"The Little Book of Commonsense" is printed on PEFC certified paper, ensuring that the materials used come from sustainably managed sources.
So next time someone gives you a hard time about using paper, send them a copy of "The Little Book of Commonsense."

For more information on International Paper and its product ranges and to obtain a copy of "The Little Book of Commonsense", visit www.internationalpaper.com/uk or contact Mike Robertson @ [email protected].