CMA’s Recycled Paper Initiative

In April 2024, CMA dealerships began buying 100% recycled copy paper. By the end of the year, CMA had purchased 735 boxes of 100% recycled paper. That’s 36,750 pounds of paper! Buying paper made from paper instead of paper made from forests has significant environmental benefits, especially at this scale. 

I used an online tool called the Paper Calculator to look into the environmental benefits of switching to 100% recycled paper. I compared 735 boxes of non-recycled paper to CMA’s 735 boxes of 100% recycled paper. The results are impressive. 

735 boxes of 100% recycled paper saves:

• 73.3 tons of wood – enough to build 30 average-sized American homes
• 185 million BTUs of energy – enough to power four average American homes per year
• 190,000 pounds of CO2 – equal to the emissions of 20 gas-powered cars per year
• 35,000 gallons of water
• 6.8 acres of forest 

One decision to switch copy paper did all that, and most dealerships didn’t start until May. If all dealerships consistently purchase 100% recycled paper in 2025, we could double these numbers.

Thanks to all the managers, controllers, purchasers, and green team members who made this happen. This is a sustainability victory that CMA should brag about! 

To view the full Paper Calculator report, please click HERE!