Day 80 – Today is International Day of Forests. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21st as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. So, we’re going to talk about paper, which can thank the forests for its existence.
Let’s start with some interesting facts about paper that were shared by Green America’s Better Paper Project
- In the last 20 years, the usage of paper products has increased from 92 million tons to 208 million tons (per year), which is a growth of 126%.
- The U.S. uses approximately 68 million trees each year to produce paper and paper products.
- 40% of the world’s industrial logging goes into making paper, and this is expected to reach 50% in the near future.
We will never stop needing paper, but we can definitely reduce the amount we use and throw away.
- Go paperless when you can. Whether it’s your bills or receipts, choose to get a digital copy. Every year, receipt use in the United States consumes over three million trees and nearly nine billion gallons of water. If you have the option just #SkipTheSlip.
- Recycle all your paper products. That includes your junk mail, cardboard boxes and packaging.
- Reduce the use of your paper. Stop using paper towels for everything. Stop jotting down everything on paper. Don’t print it, if you don’t have to.
- Buy recycled paper. You can purchase toilet paper, paper towels and printing paper (just to name a few) from recycled material. Recycled paper production emits 40% fewer green house gases.
So, on this day that has been set aside for us to celebrate and remember the importance of forests, let us make sure we are doing something to help protect them.
Tomorrow, celebrating World Water Day.
365 Ways to Save the Planet 