Paper Recycling

Paper recycling is a great way to save energy, and take a small burden off landfill sites, reducing the impact of these on the surrounding environment.

A study around the time of 2003 to 2004 showed how almost a third of household waste collected for recycling in England consisted of paper and card products.

At the same time, it was estimated that only around 1.3 million tonnes were collected. This figure may sound significant, but still only accounted for a small proportion of paper products. It is estimated that greater levels of paper and card products ended up in landfills during this period.

Many people believe that recycling paper will conserve tree levels, however, this is a common misconception. The explanation to this lies with the paper manufacturers, who grow their own trees in rotation. This method would involve planting new trees as old trees are cut down to make paper products.

Paper recycling can save a significant amount of energy used for the manufacturing of new paper or cardboard products. If we recycle our paper, it will reduce the energy needed to cut down, transport, and process the trees into the finished product.

It is estimated that 1 tonne of paper requires just over 15 trees and around 7,000 gallons of water. It has also been estimated that paper manufacturing requires more energy per tonne than the process of glass manufacturing, and even steel manufacturing.

Recycling our paper and cardboard products can save between 30 - 70% of the energy needed to produce paper from the raw material.

When paper products are sent to landfills, methane is released as the product rots. This methane is harmful to our environment, and most scientists believe that increasing methane and carbon dioxide levels are the two main contributing factors to climate change.

There are many reasons why you should recycle, and the above information illustrates how much of a positive impact the widespread recycling of paper products could have for the environment. -CleanEnergyIdeas