Calculating ecological footprints

we all rely on forest resources. the average north american consumes 225kg (500lb) of paper and paperboard per year. using the estimates of paper and paperboard consumption for each region of the world, calculate the per capita consumption for each region using the population data in the table. note that 1 metric ton = 2,205 lb.

population (millions)

total paper consumed

(millions of metric tons)

per capita paper consumed

(pounds)

africa

999

6

13

asia

4,117

159

europe

738

99

latin america

580

27

north america

341

77

oceania

36

4

world

6,810

127

1. how much paper would north americans save each year if we consumed paper at the rate of europeans?

2. how much paper would be consumed if everyone in the world used as much paper as the average european? as the average north american?

3. why do you think people in other regions consume less paper, per capita, than north americans? name three things you could do to reduce your paper consumption.

4. describe three ways in which consuming fsc-certified paper rather than conventional paper can reduce the environmental impacts of paper consumption.