Posted by admin | Posted in Environment | Posted on 06-02-2012
Tags: cardboard recycling, paper recycling
Cardboard is a common packaging and storage material. The recyclables produced pile up quickly. Although biodegradable, the degrading cardboard in landfills produces methane which is a greenhouse gas. Hence, recycling cardboard helps the environment against global warming. The types that are recycled are corrugated cardboard and flat cardboard. The recyclables are categorized and various attachments like plastic are removed. However, cardboard recycling does not include chemically treated cardboards and ones used in sanitation purposes. The cardboards are soaked in water to be turned into pulp. Wood pulp is added to maintain a certain level of cellulose content. The mixture is then corrugated and bonded between liner boards to turn into mats that are cut into various sizes. These mats are then sent to other handlers who prepare the boxes. New cardboards typically get 5 to 7 runs of recycling before they are disposed of. The whole process saves trees, reduces chemical wastes, and even helps prevent global warming.
Paper makes up about 1/3 of all wastes whether domestic or otherwise. Recycling not only reduces all trash but also promotes neatness and order. Making new paper requires trees. About 90% of a tree is used up for the process. Paper
recycling can substitute for the raw material to save trees. Chemical additives like bleach and the waste products that the manufacturing process creates are damaging to the environment. These wastes need to be properly disposed of to lessen the harmful effects. Through paper recycling, some of the chemicals are also substituted and use of water will be lessened. More trees equal less greenhouse gases. Less paper in landfills equals less pollution. Anyone can help by using recycle bins and bringing their papers in designated recycle stations.
