U.S. magazine production uses more than 2.2 million tons of paper per year and are printed almost exclusively on papers made from virgin fiber, resulting in more than 35 million trees being cut down each year. It’s true: less than 5% of magazine paper has any recycled content, and even these recycled content papers generally contain only 10-30% recycled fiber. Almost all magazine papers have been bleached with chlorine or chlorine compounds, which produce extremely toxic dioxin. To make matters even worse, only about 20% of discarded magazines are recycled. Want to make a difference without giving up your favorite mag? Try sharing a subscription with your friends or coworkers. Splitting a yearly subscription with 3 or 5 friends will keep you current while reducing your impact on the environment. Another benefit? A year of magazines for a fraction of the cost. Be sure to seal the deal by recycling the magazines once they’ve made the rounds. Feeling extra sexy? Ask your doctor or dentist to cancel their subscriptions and promise to bring them your freshly finished magazines each month.

Thanks to Leah for suggesting this tip!