Surprisingly, not many people know that paper comes from trees. I guess it’s one of those things that people don’t give a second thought about. Like when was the last time you thought about how glass is made? Or where plastic comes from?
Unless you’ve studied basic-level sciences, not many people are aware of how pivotal trees are in keeping this world, and us, alive. A brief biology lesson tells you that humans need oxygen to survive, and the biggest oxygen production unit on Earth is trees. Not only do they let us breathe, they are home to thousands of species of animals and insects. They keep the soil stable, and prevent erosion.
In short, removing trees is bad for us and our planet.
Because trees are useful in so many other materialistic ways, such as for firewood and building material for homes and furniture, they are being cut down at an alarming rate. Global warming is a major cause for concern everywhere, and it is mostly a consequence of loosing dense forests that once covered large portions of land.
While asking man to stop building out of wood is the best option, a more viable alternative is to recycle what we have already taken from Mother Earth. Paper is used everyday, every minute. Electronic devices are doing a great job in replacing the need for printed material and books, yet consumption of paper remains.
Rather than throw paper you no longer need in the thrash, a great and more profound option is to recycle it. Gather newspapers, magazines, annoying newsletters and pamphlets you’re most likely never going to need and have them recycled.
According to the University of Southern Indiana, “Each ton (2000 pounds) of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 7000 gallons of water. This represents a 64% energy savings, a 58% water savings, and 60 pounds less of air pollution!”
So recycling paper not only saves tree, it saves you, me and everybody else on this green planet.
