RE: [GreenYes] In 50 words or less, help me understand

["Philip Prete" <PPrete@ci.carrboro.nc.us>]

Actually, more important than economies of scale are the three simple words, "supply and demand."  The average consumer (meaning large consumer) does not demand enough of the product to drive manufacturers to reach economies of scale.

Another two words that tip the scales in favor of the non-recycled paper are "virgin subsidies."  Prices for recycled paper would pull much closer to virgin fiber manufactured paper if the federal tax laws were re-written to remove the advantage given to timber harvest over secondary materials "harvest."

Of course this applies to virgin feedstocks for plastics, metals and other extracted raw materials as well.

   -Phil

Philip J. Prete 
Environmental Planner 
Town of Carrboro 
301 W. Main Street 
Carrboro, NC 27510 
pprete@ci.carrboro.nc.us 
919-918-7326 

-----Original Message-----
From: TomT [mailto:TomT@mwes.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 4:20 PM
To: GreenYes
Subject: [GreenYes] In 50 words or less, help me understand


Gentlepeople,
	Although I'm sure it's a complicated topic, could someone explain to
me how recycled paper is more expensive than non-recycled paper?
	Thanks.

Tom
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