(Written by Jennifer Gardella Jan 15, 2022 Titan Shredding)
All the paper we shred is recycled. Recycled paper replaces paper created from trees, so fewer trees are needed to supply us with paper. But that is only the start of the environmental benefits of recycling paper.
RECYCLING PAPER MEANS FEWER TREES LOST, LESS WASTE, LESS POLLUTION, AND REDUCED WATER AND ENERGY USE
When we recycle your shredded paper, and you buy products containing recycled paper, we are helping an industry that can benefit for years to come. We also set in motion a chain of events whose impact goes far beyond your office. According to Quill.com
• As much as 80% of discarded paper is landfilled, not recycled. Recycling prevents more fill for landfills which generate greenhouse gases that speed climate change. Reducing the amount of waste also delays the need for creating new landfills.
• Paper products can’t be recycled forever (only 6 to 7 times) because the process shortens and weakens paper fibers. However, your office paper could be turned into new products up to 7 times, reducing the amount of natural material needed to make paper.
• Nearly half of all trees cut down in North America go to produce paper, The US uses about 68 million trees annually to manufacture paper and paper products, according to Green America. A tree can be planted for one that is cut down, but it can take decades to mature. Healthy forests with full-grown trees prevent soil erosion, protect waterways and aquifers, maintain wildlife habitats, and limit how much carbon (a greenhouse gas) goes into the environment. Stanford University estimates it prevented more than 32,000 trees from being cut down is a single year by recycling 1118 tons of paper.
• Using recycled paper to create new products is much more energy -efficient compared to virgin materials. The power needed to make paper from trees is up to 40% higher than from recycled paper. It is estimated a ton of recycled office paper can save 4,100 kWh of energy (roughly what it takes to power the average home for six months) and 7,000 gallons of water (enough to fill about half of an average swimming pool). The wood pulp and paper industry is the 5th largest worldwide energy user, consuming 4% of all the world’s energy.
• It is estimated the process of using recycled, not virgin, material to create new paper products creates 73 % less air pollution and reduces water pollution by 35%.
HELP YOUR ORGANIZATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT BY HIRING KNIGHT ARCHIVES
Avoid the hassles of keeping old records and files that no longer serve a purpose and prevent unintentional disclosure of confidential information by having us regularly shred them. If you have any questions about how we shred and recycle paper, please call us at 905-563-0847 or email us at info@knightarchives.com