How To Use Fewer Paper Products To Reduce Waste

How to use less paper products? That is the question behind this article. The manufacture of paper articles is on the rise and, with it, the rate of pollution and rubbish is also rising worldwide. Although it is an element that facilitates thousands of daily tasks, many consider it to be disposable. In addition, there are people who do not even bother to set aside the one that can be recycled or reused.

What some still do not know is that behind each leaf or article of this material there is one or more trees felled for later manufacture. In fact, it is estimated that around 3.04 trillion trees are cut down worldwide each year. And so this study published in the journal Nature  in 2015 points out.

Taking into account the environmental impact that is generated by its excessive and unnecessary use, it is time to be more aware and responsible when using it. For this, below we want to share some ecological tips that can help you start using less paper products.

More electronic documents to use less paper products

Easy access to new technologies and multiple applications to make all kinds of documents have managed to reduce paper consumption. For example, in offices, universities and many other institutions.

However, there are still many people who continue to use physical paper for the preparation of their documents. It is true that sometimes it cannot be substituted. However, as long as the document can be done in electronic format, so much the better. And this is pointed out by this research carried out by researchers from the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University, Peru.

Do not accept paper brochures

Print advertising leaves tons of useless paper every year that goes to waste. As responsible consumers, you have to start rejecting this type of advertising. Whether they are brochures, flyers or triptychs; Anything that involves the use of paper, it is better to discard it. The idea is that companies start looking for other alternatives to reach the public.

Replace paper towels

There are many alternatives to replace those paper towels that can only be used once. Microfiber cloths, sponges, and even old T-shirts come in handy for cleaning kitchen surfaces. The big advantage of these is that they can be washed and reused over and over again, which undoubtedly reduces the use of paper.

Change paper napkins

Paper napkins have become one of the most used items in homes. But, as the intention is to do without this material as much as possible, we invite you to acquire them made of fabric.

In fact, they are just as useful, and very stylish. Cloth napkins become more absorbent than paper napkins, and they are not damaged when trying to dry a wet surface. The important thing is to wash them after each use so that they remain in perfect condition.

Cloth tissues to use less paper products

The paper industry has wanted to solve many everyday problems by manufacturing elements in this material. One of those interesting items is the tissues used to clean a stuffy nose.

However, as in the previous cases, there are also options made with soft and absorbent fabrics for these purposes. However, it is necessary to wash them frequently so that dirt does not proliferate.

Avoid using paper plates

Do you really need to use paper plates? Even if you have to spend minutes washing dishes in the kitchen, it will always be the best option, since it helps to reduce contamination and eliminate single-use products.

Ecological toilet paper

The use of ecological paper has a very positive environmental impact according to data revealed by organizations such as Greenpeace . If the conventional household begins to be replaced by this, the annual felling of trees would have a significant reduction.

Opt for cloth bags

Bags are essential in our life and are perfect to facilitate many daily tasks. The advantage of choosing those made with fabric is that they not only reduce the use of paper, but also the use of plastic. Also, cloth bags are much stronger and can be brought to market hundreds of times.

Using less paper is good for the natural environment

These changes, however insignificant they may seem, are good ways to do our bit to improve the planet. Given that we all have this responsibility, it is worth starting to consider them from now on.