Why is paper recycling important?
The paper is an element that has accompanied the development of societies since ancient times. Its invention, which took place around 200 BC in China, was a great transformation in the way that peoples transmitted wisdom from one generation to another and has encouraged the preservation of texts ever since. Can you imagine its repercussion?
At first, its use was reduced. However, what Ts’ai Lun, to whom the invention is attributed, never thought was that over the centuries it would become one of the elements of daily use throughout the world. Let us know its origins, its uses, and how we can contribute, with its consumption, to preserve our environment!
Its use is so widespread that now we are talking about strategies for its proper use and reuse since we must not forget that its production depends mainly on the wood obtained from trees.
Centuries of history are condensed in that page that you have on your study or work desk every day. Much has happened since the time of Ts’ai Lun. So now, faced with such serious environmental challenges as deforestation and climate change, it is best that you make the most of it. Your impact is much greater than you imagine!
Facts about the importance of recycling paper
According to WWF calculations, each year between 74,000 and 93,000 km 2 of forests disappear in the world, a territory similar to that of a country like Portugal. If we limit the period, the figures are even more conclusive: the trees felled every minute occupy a land comparable to that of 36 football fields.
Trees play a determining role in the earth’s balance. Thanks to them, the levels of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) that circulate in the air are reduced, which is, remember, the most harmful greenhouse gas.
The less paper we consume, the fewer trees will be cut down for production, which in turn will have an impact on the care and conservation of the environment. Other reasons why we should recycle paper on a regular basis are the following:
- It favors the saving of water and energy used in the manufacture of paper and the use of chemical products for its adaptation.
- It improves the quality of the air we breathe.
- Reduces the risk of heart and respiratory diseases.
- It contributes to the preservation of animal and plant species.
- It generates awareness and responsibility in our social circles. The concept of global citizenship is expanded, which aims to create networks of people committed to the environment.
- They reduce soil contamination.
- The need to prepare new spaces to dump waste derived from paper production is reduced.
Practical tips for recycling paper at home or in the office
In the same way as cardboard, the paper represents 18% of the waste we generate every day.
Remember that for every ton of recycled paper an average of 18 trees is saved in the world. What can we do to reduce paper consumption? Here are some practical tips!
- Start simple: reduce paper consumption whenever possible. Do you really need to print all the documents?
- Reuse the folios in your study or work. Don’t forget that each sheet of paper has two sides.
- If you are in the office, print on the back of the sheets when possible.
- Buy recycled paper. In the market, there are numerous brands that offer paper that has been recycled industrially. You can support these practices by opting for their products.
- Make your own recycled paper. You can also make recycled paper at home. Just have a few supplies on hand.
- Reuse newspaper sheets to cover surfaces.
- Use electronic media. Not only are digital formats more agile, but they also contribute to less paper production and thus less forest clearing.
Surely you were already aware of the importance of your own impact on our environment. But … did you imagine that any small action has an impact, in one way or another, on him? The use of paper, which extends to almost any area of our daily life, is one of the most common. And remember: recycling it, reusing it, and reducing its consumption are just some of the many gifts you can give the planet.
