 Reusing paper products not only saves virgin trees from being harvested, but prevents the use of water and energy as well as the emission of greenhouse gases during the production of new paper products. Reusing paper products will also benefit you by allowing you to save money !
Reusing paper is an easy way to reduce the amount of paper products consumed in your home, at your job and elsewhere. In the United States, an estimated 90 percent of paper produced for printing and writing is derived from virgin tree fiber! By choosing to reuse paper products you can easily reduce the amount of new paper you consume, which aids in preventing the clear-cutting of forests, reduces the use of water, energy, and other chemicals used in new paper production and ultimately reduces the amount of gases emitted into the atmosphere. One little choice can have a major effect on the health of our environment and our lives !
Reusing paper products sounds like a simple and effective way to begin having a positive effect on the environment, but you have questions on how to begin. EnviroCitizen.org wants you to be successful in your efforts, which is why we have provided some simple suggestions to get you started.
- Save paper products that can be reused, such as tissue paper and the tubes from inside your paper towel rolls. These recycled products have many wonderful uses. For example, you can shred or cut these products and use them to protect and cushion goods when shipping them as an alternative to Styrofoam or bubble wrap.
- During the holiday season or for any type of gift giving, you can use shredded, recycled paper or reuse tissue paper for the filling in gift baskets or bags.
- Shredded paper also makes great lining for pet cages and can even be used as cat litter.
- Recycled paper products also make perfect craft supplies for art projects, homemade cards and gifts, etc.
Though many paper products can easily be reused, there are some which require being recycled instead. For paper products such as used facial tissue, remember not to throw them away in the trash. Instead, recycle them at your local recycling center. The majority of paper products can be recycled and recycling technology has been refined over the years, making recycling simpler for you (many places do not require you to sort different paper types or remove staples) and more efficient. Every recycling facility has different guidelines on how paper must be prepared, sorted and turned in for recycling, which is why EnviroCitizen.org suggests that you research these prior to making a visit! With little effort you can help make a major difference. |
