As sustainable energy and other green initiatives grow, the earth becomes a cleaner and greener place. Let’s take a look at one of the first, and longest running environmentally friendly initiatives, recycling paper.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “paper and paperboard products make up the largest portion of the municipal solid waste stream in the United States and as a result, offer the greatest opportunity to recycle.” By weight, paper makes up more than half of all recyclables collected in the U.S., at 46 million tons yearly, which averages out to 334 pounds per person. Paper as a whole is recycled at a rate of almost 66%, and rates for newspapers and corrugated cardboard are even higher, at 73% and 91% respectively.
New paper is usually made from a composition of 33% recycled paper, 33% whole trees and other plants, and 33% wood chips and other wood scraps. We also export 42% of recovered paper to other countries for recycling. Most recovered paper is used to make new paper, but it can also be used to make a variety of other products. These include everything from masking tape and egg cartons to lamp shades and coffee filters. Even hospital gowns can be made with recycled paper.
Unlike other materials such as glass which can be recycled infinitely, paper can only go through between 5 and 7 cycles of recycling before it is no longer viable. The paper’s fibers get shorter every time the paper is recycled until the point where they become too short to bond into new paper.
Here at Time Printers, we’re conscious of the benefits that recycling can have for our earth and everyone on it. If you don’t save our printed materials, recycle them so they can be used again in printing and other applications.
Time Printers is a Baltimore, MD family full service printing products and services business. We have extensive knowledge of the printing industry and deep seated community roots. With our quality printing products, quick turn around and outstanding customer service, your business advertising cannot go wrong. Time Printers is constantly challenging ourselves to stay on the cutting edge of the industry’s standards without giving up their personal touch. We offer the newest technology while at the same time adhering to our extensive history and timeless traditions.
Connect with Time Printers today by checking us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest as well.
Source