To study the recycle waste paper.
The resources of the world are limited and finite. The resource becomes depleted as soon as the rate of use exceeds the rate of regeneration. This also generate lots of waste. Waste management is important as waste disposal has huge environmental impacts and can cause several health problems. The three R's – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – is an efficient way to minimize waste generation.
Recycling is an effective way to conserve resources. Recycling waste paper is important. Some of the benefits of recycling waste paper are:
Paper recycling lowers the amount of trees chopped down because paper is made from wood pulp. The trees are crucial to maintaining a sustainable ecosystem. Massive tree-cutting required to meet the rising demands of paper manufacture may result in deforestation. Growth of trees take longer time and is not easily replaced. The loss of trees and other vegetation can cause climate change, desertification, soil erosion, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and several other problems.
A significant quantity of energy and water are needed for paper production. Recycling paper promotes the sustainability of both energy and space, which are finite resources. In fact, recycling uses 70% less energy than producing new paper.
Anaerobic decomposition of paper in landfills results in formation of methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas. When trees are cut down to make paper, more carbon dioxide is released than is absorbed because trees absorb carbon dioxide. Recycling paper reduces methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that contribute to global climate change.
Paper occupies a significant amount of landfill space and accounts for around 28% of the solid waste in landfills. Recycling paper frees up landfill space for waste that cannot be recycled, which decreases the need to construct further landfills. According to research, for every ton of paper recycled, a firm can save 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 380 gallons of oil, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space and 4,000 kilowatts of energy which is enough to power the typical home for six months.
How many times can paper be recycled?
Although paper fibres cannot be recycled indefinitely like metals, paper fibres can be recycled around six or seven times. However, every time it is recycled the fibre becomes weaker. The fibres can be turned into pressboard, tissue, or even insulation by the time their usefulness is over. The collection of waste paper is itself a well-organized sector in most of the developed countries. Many businesses are attempting to create unique and innovative products from waste paper.
How can you contribute?
Some of the product that can be made from recycled paper are egg cartons, coffee filters, lamp shades, masking tape, planting pots for seedlings etc. Recycling paper and paper products is quite easy. Every small step matter and contributes to a better and safe environment. Make your contribution today!
