Global warming: it’s a big topic these days, and people want to know what they can do to help. Most people don’t realize it, but one way to reduce global warming is to recycle paper products. Paper recycling helps in the following ways:

Energy Savings-Pulp and paper is the 5th largest industrial energy consumer in the world! Production of recycled paper uses 65% less energy than paper production using raw materials. Reducing energy consumption reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Tree Preservation-Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees from being cut down. Each tree helps reduce global warming by capturing and holding carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.

Water Savings-Methane and nitrous oxide, both greenhouse gases, are emitted during wastewater treatment. Production of recycled paper uses 80% less water than paper production using raw materials, reducing methane and nitrous oxide, and therefore greenhouse gas emissions!

When you think of all of the things that you can do to help reduce global warming, remind yourself that recycling your paper products is an important step. And don’t forget your cans and bottles-recycling all types of containers saves energy and natural resources, helping to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.

Rethink recycling-You can recycle more kinds of paper than you think. To learn more, contact your community recycling program or visit GreenGuardian.com.