Why Recycle Paper
Given the seriousness of environmental challenges we are facing, paper seems to be the least problematic. It is all natural material which does not cause any harm to the environment as such. It decomposes quickly and does not release any toxic chemicals that could pollute the soil, groundwater or air. But it is not that black and white, though. Paper industry is one of the severest pollutants as it involves the use of various hazardous chemicals, while paper production is also responsible for the loss of the world’s forests that play the key role in sustaining life on Earth.
Although paper cannot be recycled indefinitely, its recovery and recycling offers a number of both direct and indirect benefits for all of us and especially for the environment. Top five reasons why recycle paper include:
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Reducing the loss of the world’s forests. From the mid-19th century, about one half of the world’s forests have been destroyed. The introduction of sustainable forest management practices that involves replacement of every felled tree have managed to reduce the loss of the forests but according to most experts, the rate of forest loss is still too high. The loss of forests cannot be attributed to paper industry alone but about 30 percent of all felled trees are used for paper production.
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Reducing the levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Forests play an important role in climate on both local and global levels. They absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases while releasing pure oxygen. Preservation of the forests thus plays the key role in the fight against the climate change.
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Saving energy. To recycle paper, a lot less energy and resources such as water are needed than for production of paper from freshly felled trees. This further reduces carbon dioxide emissions which are thought to be the number one cause of the global warming.Use energy efficient heating such as a burning stove rather than gas or electric heating, choose a company who have lots of experience in this field and can offer some good advice.
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Preserving habitat for wildlife and conservation of biodiversity. More than one half of all known plant and wildlife species directly depend on the forests which provide them food or shelter, or both. Loss of forests thus depletes them of habitat in which they can thrive which in turn poses a serious risk of mass species extinction. And the latter would have a devastating effect on life on Earth including humans as we depend on biodiversity in a number of ways including as a source of survival.
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Resource conservation. Forests are not only a source of wood such as teak which is popular in making garden furniture or used in staircase refurbishment projects but they are also a source of a number of non-timber products which have a major economic value. Make sure you read this teak garden furniture guide and ensure you use environmentally friendly garden furniture companies who use recycled teak timber to make their furniture rather than felling new trees. At the same time, the forests as a priceless resource of treatments and medications, some of which are used to treat as serious conditions as cancer.