This digital magazine on environmentalism will support you with information and inspiration. We'll give you free access to a range of creative outlets and conversations all about the climate crisis.
Deforestation: 100 million hectares of forest are con- sumed by the paper industry yearly (that's an area the size of Egypt!). Areas that have been felled can no longer absorb carbon dioxide, so contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion. However, there are certifica- tions in place to protect UK forests and wood is naturally occurring and renewable. Some companies even promise to plant more than they fell.
Recycling: Europe has the highest rates of recycling in the world; for every ton of paper that is recycled, 17 trees are kept alive. However, when paper is stained, it can be re- jected from the recycling process. As we move away from plastic packaging, the solution of compostable food con- tainers and paper bags are being developed by companies around the world, but our consumption of paper for this alternative is expected to increase in coming years.
what about paper?
Water consumption: Every phase of paper manufac- turing requires water. A single A4 sheet requires nearly 13 litres in production. Some paper mills often dispose of the bleached water into local water supplies, where it's toxic to wildlife. Meanwhile, other companies ensure that they clean and recycle all the water involved in the process to create zero waste.
Pollutants: paper is bleached so that it appears white. This bleach, chlorine dioxide, has often ended up in rivers and water supplies, but some paper mills are switching to using ozone for less environmental impact. However, if we were happy to start using darker coloured paper, the process could be skipped completely.
Energy Consumption: every year, the global indus- try consumes the amount of energy needed to make 87 trillion cups of tea.