How Paper Recycling Can Help the Climate
Paper recycling is one of the most important practices that every citizen can adopt. This process can have a significant impact on the environment, especially on our climate. In this blog post, we will discuss how paper recycling can help the climate and why it is crucial for everyone to do their part. So, let's dive in!
Reduces the Number of Trees Cut Down
The production of paper involves felling trees, which leads to deforestation. This process has severe impacts on the environment, as it disrupts ecosystems and reduces the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide. By recycling paper, we can reduce the number of trees we cut down while still getting the same quality paper products that we need. This leads to the preservation of forests, which directly benefits our climate.
Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Manufacturing paper from virgin pulp produces greenhouse gas emissions, which significantly contribute to climate change. Recycling paper, however, saves energy and reduces emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), recycling paper results in 74% less air pollution, 35% less water pollution, and a 64% reduction in energy use than producing new paper. So, by recycling paper, you can help reduce the carbon footprint on our environment and keep it as clean and green as possible.
Saves Energy and Water
Recycling paper saves energy, as it requires much less energy to manufacture products from recycled paper than from virgin pulp. This is because the fibers in recycled paper have already been processed previously. Also, making paper products from recycled paper uses less water. For example, approximately 21,000 gallons of water are saved for every ton of paper recycled, which equates to a saving of 60,000 liters of water per year. By recycling paper, we can have a significant impact on preserving our natural resources.
Conserves Landfill Space
Paper waste contributes significantly to landfill space. When paper, especially mixed paper, is placed in a landfill, it takes an extremely long time to decompose, leading to methane gas emission. Methane gas is a potent greenhouse gas that has a warming effect that is 84 times greater than carbon dioxide. By recycling paper, we can get rid of the excess waste going to landfills and effectively preserve the natural spaces that surround us.
Saves Money
Recycling paper will ultimately save you and your community money. In addition to being cheaper to produce recycled paper than new paper, recycling paper products means less garbage is going to landfill. As a result, trash collection becomes more efficient and less expensive. Your community will save money on landfill space and waste transportation costs, which can lead to lower taxes.
Conclusion
Paper recycling is an essential practice that everyone must adopt to help save the climate. By reducing the number of trees cut down, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving energy and water, conserving landfill space, and saving money, we can contribute to living in a cleaner and more sustainable world. If you are looking for a paper recycling service in Orlando, FL, contact Orlando Recycling today for a free consultation. It's time to take action and step up to save our planet!