Recycled Paper – A Big Statement with a Small Footprint
There’s a great case to be made for paper recycling. In a nutshell, it:
- Protects forests and the environment
- Puts the brakes on climate change
- Shrinks greenhouse emissions
- Provides a sustainable way to save energy
- Plus, more!
Let’s dive in and explore this elegant way of saving the planet.
What are the advantages of recycled paper to the planet?
1. Reduces greenhouse emissions
When waste paper gets dumped in landfills, it decomposes. Methane gas and carbon dioxide are the by-products – both are top greenhouse gases that exacerbate climate change. Additionally, when trees photosynthesize, they absorb carbon dioxide.
That means that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases when more trees are cut down to make paper.
2. Reduces the occurrence of landfills
Recycled paper is paper that could have ended up in a landfill somewhere. Therefore, paper recycling saves spaces in landfills, so there are fewer of these environmental eyesores lying around.
While landfills may be necessary for waste that can’t be recycled, keeping the landfill count low helps to keep communities and the environment cleaner and more habitable.
3. Save energy and resources
Making recycled paper requires less energy and resources than starting from scratch – that is, cutting down trees, then making virgin fiber from it, and finally paper.
Because there are fewer steps needed to obtain the final products not as much energy or water go into the process. This extra energy and water can be used for other purposes, and saving energy and water reduces manufacturing costs overall.
How can you make a difference?
1. Buy recycled paper
This can be as simple as checking the label of any eco-friendly paper you’re buying. There’s one important thing to keep in mind, though. A “recycled label” can be misleading if there isn’t a percentage to go with it. Ideally, you want 100% recycled paper, instead of 5% recycled paper, so be sure to read the packaging carefully.
Also, check for labels like PCF, meaning the paper was processed without using chlorine, or TCF which is short for totally chlorine free. This is a good thing because paper bleaching typically produces chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
One last thing: check for other important certifications that endorse the paper product as being a better alternative for the environment.
2. Choose upcycled paper
We know we’ve made a great case for recycled paper, but upcycled paper is even better. This is paper that’s made from secondary by-products, such as rags, waste fibers, and even coffee husks! The process is therefore different from paper recycling because tree paper is not used.
Also, upcycling does not require the use of chemicals that are harmful to the environment. This further promotes the advantages of recycled paper discussed above – more water savings, reduction of waste in landfills, and a better planet!
The Bottom Line
While the world has gone digital, there is still tons of paper being used every year. Fortunately, paper and paper products are one of the most easily recycled waste products, which is why you should join the bandwagon. The advantages of doing so include, reduction of greenhouse emissions, more energy and costs savings, plus a cleaner environment.
Learn how PaperPapers is leading the way to sustainable, elegant paper products in the US. In companionship with Favini and GF Smith we are the North American supplier for creative upcycled/recycled paper brands such as Crush, Remake, Extract and more.
