Americans recycled 56 percent of the paper they consumed last year, setting an all-time record for the country. According to the Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), which compiles the paper industry’s annual recycling statistics, 54.3 million tons of paper were recovered in 2007, compared to a 53 percent recycling rate and 53 million tons recovered in 2006.

The record achieved the paper industry’s goal to achieve a 55 percent recycling rate by 2012, which was set in 2003. As a result, the industry has adjusted its 2012 goal to 60 percent.

“Industry is demonstrating a real commitment to environmental sustainability by continuing to set and achieve aggressive paper recovery goals,” said Donna Harman, AF&PA president and CEO, in a press release. “Whether at home, school, or work, paper recovery is something we can all do to make a difference.”