This tool estimates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and energy benefits associated with increasing the recycled content of materials purchased or manufactured. The tool compares baseline recycled content for common materials – including glass, wood, metals, plastics, paper, PVC, and fiberboard – to an alternate recycled content scenario. Inputs are material type, weight, and percent recycled content. (Includes a Unit Converter to convert from common units of measure to weight.) Results are 30-year total and life-cycle GHG emissions, reduction in GHG emissions, energy consumption and reduction in energy consumption. These estimates include upstream manufacturing, carbon sequestration, and avoided disposal impacts.
