Greening up is an adventure — every time something breaks or wears out, I get to sniff out an eco-replacement. Sometime it’s toilet paper, a car, or bed sheets, but last week it was printer paper.

Paper products are great because we can easily close the loop, a green behavior critical to sustainable consumer activity. So while I was out over the weekend, I brought home a couple brands to sample.

Staples is rocking their own private stock of 100% post-consumer recycled printer paper. I picked up a ream of bright white 24lb chlorine-free paper. And even though it’s low-end multi-use paper, my inkjet didn’t even notice. Staples means it when they say “our eco-smartest laser & inkjet paper is brighter for standout texts and colors.” My only beef is that they sell it packaged in non-recyclable plastic. The reams at my office come neatly wrapped in paper, and so should the ones I buy at the store.

Target is shelving Printworks recycled multipurpose paper. Not only is it less bright and thinner, it’s made from only 30% post-consumer recycled materials. Sitting next to the Staples brand, it looks like gray newspaper. I think I’ll let this be the paper the kids use for drawing!

Happy printing!