Thanks to environmental concerns and increasing awareness of our activities’ impact on the earth’s climate, more companies are starting to see the value of recycling. Nevertheless, many people hardly think about what happens to disposed paper when sent for recycling or the plethora of beautiful products made from recycled paper.
Companies like Mid America Paper Recycling Co make recycled paper products from 100% recycled paper or proprietary blends of recycled and new paper depending on the product in question. Fortunately, recycled paper products typically cost the same as new paper products, if not cheaper. Here are some useful recycled paper products you can purchase.
Toilet Paper
Forget installing solar; switching to toilet paper made from recycled paper is among the most eco-friendly decisions you will ever make. The NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) believes that if every American household replaced a single roll of regular toilet paper with a 100% recycled one, the country could save at least 424,000 trees.
To save the environment even further, opt for ‘natural’ colored recycled toilet paper instead of the bright white varieties. The chlorine used to bleach recycled paper is harmful to the environment.
Greeting Cards
Greeting cards are wonderful gifts in and of themselves, but most people use them as accompaniments for other gifts. Despite the thoughtful gesture they portray, greeting cards are a somewhat wasteful use of paper, considering their single-use nature.
Next time you purchase a greeting card for your loved ones, opt for the recycled kind. They are affordable, similar in appearance to virgin fiber varieties and safer for the environment.
Napkins and Paper Towels
Although useful, napkins and paper towels are very wasteful, and their cloth alternatives consume too much water and time on each wash. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, this might be the right time for you to purchase recycled paper napkins and paper towels.
Paper Tote Bags
Many countries around the world have banned plastic bags, and the list will only get longer. Most plastic products, including plastic bags, are non-biodegradable, i.e., plastic waste never decomposes and instead builds up over time.
If you shop frequently, do the environment a favor and ditch that plastic bag for a recycled paper tote bag. Besides, recycled paper tote bags are more stylish, sturdier and in fashion currently.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of using recycled paper products cannot be stressed enough. Choosing to purchase recycled paper products not only makes you a responsible, eco-conscious person but also saves you money in the long run.