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 significant transformation in how peoples transmitted wisdom from one generation to another and have encouraged the preservation of texts ever since. Can you imagine its repercussion?
At first, people reduced their usage. However, what Ts’ai Lun, to whom the invention is attributed, never thought it would become one of the world’s daily use elements over the centuries. Let us know its origins, its benefits, and how we can contribute, with its consumption, to preserve our environment!
Its use is so widespread. That’s why, 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.
That page you have on your study or work desk every day condensed centuries of history. Much has happened since the time of Ts’ai Lun. So now, faced with such environmental severe challenges as deforestation and climate change, you should make the most of it. Your impact is much more significant 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 globally, a territory similar to Portugal’s. 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 balancing the earth. Thanks to them, the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) circulating in the air is reduced, which is, remember, the most harmful greenhouse gas.
The less paper we consume, the fewer trees we will cut down for production, impacting care and conserving the environment. Other reasons why we should recycle paper regularly, because it-
- Favor saving water and energy used in the manufacture of paper and chemical products for its adaptation.
- Improve the quality of the air we breathe.
- Reduce the risk of heart and respiratory diseases.
- Contribute to the preservation of animal and plant species.
- Generate awareness and responsibility in our social circles. The concept of global citizenship is expanded, aiming to create networks of people committed to the environment.
- 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
Similarly to cardboard, the paper represents 18% of the waste we generate every day.
Remember that every ton of recycled paper in the world saves an average of 18 trees. What can we do to reduce paper consumption? Here are some practical tips!
- Start simple: reduce paper consumption whenever possible. Do you 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 possible, print on the back of the sheets when you are in the office.
- Buy recycled paper. In the market, numerous brands offer industrially recycled paper. You can support these practices by opting for their products.
- Make your 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.
Indeed you were already aware of the importance of your impact on our environment. But did you imagine that any small action affects in one way or another? 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.
