Both paper and cardboard are two of the most common waste in most of the world’s bins. In fact, it is estimated that, in Spain, 40% of the garbage we get rid of is cellulose, which is the main substance from which paper and cardboard are composed. However, the use of this material has a considerable environmental impact. If you want to meet Why it is important to recycle paper and cardboard And what measures can you take in your day to day to reduce its consumption, keep reading green ecology and we tell you.
What is the paper
Paper is a material that It is manufactured mainly From cellulose. Cellulose is a substance that is obtained from plant matter, mainly from trees. Cellulose is the main component of the membrane of the cells that form the plants and, to obtain it, it is necessary to crush large amounts of plant matter. Then, once the cellulose has been obtained, it is subjected to different treatments that allow the paper sheets to be created. Depending on the type of paper you want to produce, the methods will be one type or another. However, in most of the time, they will be processes that will include certain polluting chemicals. A good example is found in the use of chlorinethat Allows whitening paper until the characteristic níveo tone of paper folios.
On the other hand, in the Case of the cardboardwe would be talking about the same manufacturing process. However, in this case it is about creating thicker cellulose layers That when paper is manufactured and, in most cases, do not bleach. Despite this, it is important that we understand that it is a material that is manufactured From the same substance Base: The cellulose. Which also explains that your recycling can be carried out jointly.
Why it is important to recycle paper and cardboard
The recycling of paper and cardboard is important because it allows reduce the amount of trees that have to be cut down To manufacture paper. Because both paper and cardboard are manufactured from cellulose that is obtained from the trees, if it is possible to recover the cellulose of the unusable paper and cardboard, it can be reused in the manufacture of new paper and cardboard, which will avoid the logging of many trees. In fact, for us to get an idea, por each ton of paper and cardboard that is recycled, on average, 18 trees is avoided.
As we all know, plants, and especially trees, are of fundamental importance when preserving life and ecosystems on earth. Trees are responsible for producing the oxygen that animals breathe. But, in addition, they also have the ability to reduce the contamination present in the atmosphere and that causes respiratory diseases, especially people living in cities and where pollution is greater. On the other hand, we cannot forget the fact, simple but very important, that The oxygen produced by the trees is made from CO2 Present in the air, the main GHG (greenhouse gas) that is the cause of climate change on our planet. In the following article we explain what are the main sources of CO2 issuance.
On the other hand, recycling paper and cardboard also has a positive impact when reducing the amount of garbage we generate. Thus, An important part of waste is reduced that would end in incinerators or, worse, scattered in the environment. In this sense, it is important to keep in mind that, although the cellulose of paper and cardboard is a biodegradable material, when this happens, many of the chemicals used in the manufacture of paper, such as chlorine, are also released to the environment. This ends up contaminating the ecosystem, so, although it is a less visible garbage than another, it is not at all “harmless” garbage in natural spaces.
How paper and cardboard are recycled
To recycle paper and cardboard, the first thing to do is collect it. This is done Through the blue containerwhich is intended for this type of waste. Later, these waste is collected by local and transported garbage trucks to a recycling center, where the Recycling process proper:
- The first thing that is done in these paper and cardboard recycling centers is separate waste that can be recycled from those who do not.
- Once these waste has been separated again, they begin a process in which they pass through different machines that deal with crush paper and cardboard and add water to the set.
- In this way, little by little, a increasingly fine That, in its final phase, it is very similar to that of the original role, although with more impurities.
In fact, because there are certain impurities that cannot be eliminated, it is common to see the recycled paper in uses that do not require a very fine finish, such as the toilet paper, the role of the napkins or the wrapping cartons. However, through the use of new treatments, high quality recycled paper can also be obtained, which may be used, for example, in the manufacture of folios.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why it is important to recycle paper and cardboardwe recommend that you enter our recycling and waste management category.
