How is Paper Recycled: The Recycling Process

Each year, over 400 million metric tons of paper and cardboard is produced globally, with over half of production originating from China, the United States, and Japan. In 2016, Americans alone consumed 70 million metric tons of paper a year, or approximately 514 pounds per person The United Kingdom’s maximum consumption rate of nearly 13 million metric tons was reached in year 2000 and has steadily decreased to a rate of 9.1 million metric tons or 305 pounds per person in 2015 Most of this paper can be recycled, which is the process of reprocessing waste paper for reuse.Waste papers are gathered from:paper mill scrapsdiscarded paper waste after consumer use – for example old newspapers, magazines, white printer paper, cardboard, and packaging papersPaper is one of the most easily recycled materials, however, the paper eventually reaches a point where it can no longer be recycled due to the progressive shortening of fibers each time it is recycled Each metric ton (1,000 kilograms) of recycled paper can save approximately:-19 trees that can absorb 127 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year1,500 liters of oil2.68 cubic meters of landfill space4,400 kilowatts of energy29,000 liters of waterRecycling in America has plenty of room for improvement, with only 63 percent of produced paper being recovered in 2013 [6], and 67 percent of the paper in 2015 [7]. Assuming the rest of the world has similar paper recovery rates, approximately 150 million metric tons of paper and cardboard is deposited in landfills or incinerated each year.Recycling a single run of the Sunday New York Times would save approximately 75,000 trees [5], enough to absorb 1 million pounds of carbon dioxide each year!If the world can achieve nearly a 100 percent paper recovery and recycling rate, approximately 2.5 billion trees would be saved this year!Then follow the below steps:Tear paper into small pieces and add to a blender with warm water. Blend the mixture until the pulp is a smooth consistency.Set the picture frame mold into a 13’’ x 9’’ pan, then pour the pulp into the pan. Make sure the mold is well-covered, then pull the mold up. Seeds and wildflowers can be added at this stage – cover the seeds with a little more pulp to embed fully in the paper.Using a towel or sponge, press out the excess water and let the paper dry for a day or two. The pulp can dry directly on the screen or flip the mold over and let it dry on another surface [14].Optional: After use, place the paper on a loosened soil surface and cover it with a thin layer of soil. Sprinkle with water to keep the area damp, and watch your seeds take off!Examples of recycled paper productsRecycled paper products are used in our everyday lives, and you may not even be aware that you are using it. In fact, an estimated 200 million tons of paper and cardboard are produced annually from recycled paper sources. That’s a lot of recovered paper that can be made into new products!The most common examples of products made from recycled paper are white printing paper, toilet paper and tissues, paper towels and napkins, greeting cards, cardboard, and magazine and newspapers [15].Creative retailers are also selling other items that have not traditionally been made from recycled paper. For instance, Ten Thousand Villages sell flower vases, picture frames, clocks, and other crafts made from recycled paper [16].In the United States alone, approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper is discarded each year [5].Currently, the total amount of wood and paper that is thrown away each year is enough to heat 50,000,000 homes for 20 years.If we wish to preserve the natural environment for our children and grandchildren, each of us needs to take a stance against needless waste and commit to recycling the paper that we do use.Will you make a commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle paper in your homes and offices today?