Minimizing Paper Usage

Paper has a tremendous environmental effect, which has influenced numerous industrial decisions as well as personal and commercial behaviors. Because of technical improvements such as the printing press and wood harvesting, there has been a large availability of disposable paper, resulting in high consumption and waste levels due to its affordability. Paper use has increased 400% in the last four decades. Deforestation has become a big issue in both developing and industrialized countries. Other difficulties created by paper consumption include: air pollution, water pollution, paper waste, chlorine and chlorine-based materials, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Governments and organizations have put in place different measures to address the environmental impact of the paper industry. They include:

- Sustainable forest management.

- Pulp bleaching using non-elemental chlorine process

- Recycling of paper waste material

- Regulating pulp and paper

But, on a personal level, as students and teachers, we must try to make what little difference that we can. Because of the pandemic, everything was done online, but when it goes offline again, we students have to complete our assignments on those assignment papers, which are discarded, burnt, or sold to raddi wala. It results in a significant quantity of paper waste.

Some ways in which we can reduce paper usage are: 

• Make your subscriptions digital.

• Make digital notes.

• Make use of washcloths and hand towels.

• Make a donation of old newspapers and magazines.

• Use double-sided printing

• Get your statements online

• Use a blackboard or whiteboard

• Praise brands that use fewer paper products.

Paper is becoming outdated, yet we must continue to use it when necessary because everything has advantages and disadvantages.