chemicals and other pollutants, like nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide into the water and air. This is also a resource-intensive pro- cess, requiring large amounts of wa- ter and energy. As a waste product, paper is fairly easy to dispose of and even recycle. However, treated paper, like that used in tissue paper or paper napkins, and coated food paper, like coffee cups and wax paper, are not recyclable. If paper is contaminated with food, grease, or chemicals, that also prevents it from being recycled – think pizza boxes. According to the U.S. Environmen- tal Protection Agency, paper products can account for up to 40% of our land- fill content. Although biodegradable, when paper breaks down in a land- fill’s anaerobic conditions, it releases methane gas, a greenhouse gas that can impact the environment and po- tentially climate, over time. Recycling is the best option for paper waste, but when that’s not possible, surprisingly, burning paper is often proposed as a more environmentally friendly alter- native to throwing into the trash. >> Tree Paper Alternatives Eco-friendly and sustainable prod- ucts are in higher demand today than ever before. As a society, we are more aware and conscientious of our im- pact on our planet and overall, I be- lieve, desirous of being good stewards of what we’ve been given, even if we may also prefer convenience over con- servation. Alternative paper goods companies have emerged and aim to offer both to consumers, and human innovation continues to find a way to survive and look good while doing so. The top tree paper material alter- native on the market right now is bamboo. Bamboo is a plant in the grass family that uses rhizomes to grow continuously underground on a horizontal stem. This stem then
Fast-growing bamboo provides a sustainable paper alternative, significantly reducing deforestation, conserving water, and minimizing environmental impacts compared to traditional wood-based paper production.
lifecycle of paper. Although logging industries and government agencies in the U.S. are tasked with offsetting and mitigating their harvesting activ- ities, deforestation and habitat loss are still a natural impact on ecosys- tems, biodiversity and forest health. Demand is high, and demands must be met. In addition, separating the wood fi - bers (pulping) and processing pulp for consumer use can release bleaching
tea bags, food boxes, ice cream pints, dryer sheets, wallpaper, laminate worktops, board and card games, art prints, picture frame mats, bandages, masks, party hats, twisty ties…and the list goes on and on. >> Production and Waste The tree pulp and paper industry is massive and significant to the modern first-world way of life. But, there are a handful of environmental and sus- tainability issues integrated into the
SUMMER/FALL 2025 87
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online