Writer’s note: Written in memory of the past forest fires that destroyed our trees globally. This includes the fires that erupted at the Ella rock in Sri Lanka, Amazon rainforest in Brazil and the current fires at Queensland, Australia.
You, yes you! The one reading this. I’m picturing one of you flat in bed with the phone over your face. Another might be on their way home, scrolling through the blog. Maybe you are in front of your laptop, procrastinating that assignment? Hit that like button if I guessed it right! You may have a very low chance of holding a paper-based object in your hands at present, but look around you! Books, paper bags, posters, bus tickets, receipts, etc.
They say that paper is more environmentally friendly than plastic. But it is a myth with no science or facts to back it up.
The paper industry is responsible for 9% of the total carbon dioxide emitted by manufacturing industries. These industries also release toxic chemical wastes such as chlorine, iodine, and sulfur dioxide. This affects the aquatic ecosystem and causes water acidification. Paper is also the culprit of methane emission. 26% of landfills are unsurprisingly paper. When landfills decompose, they release methane, which is a greenhouse gas that has 23 times more heat-trapping ability than carbon dioxide.
Deforestation accounts for 25% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and 4 billion trees are cut down each year for the paper industry, globally; that is 35% of the planet’s trees. In fact, paper is the third to fourth largest source of industrial greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries. What do you mean you are not part of deforestation? You and I contribute to it each day, by using paper! How many trees have you planted within this course of the year to compensate for it? It would be of some satisfaction if your answer was at least one.
The argument is valid. Most of us live in apartments with no area to plant a massive tree. Those who do have gardens, may not really have an entire acre to grow a dozen trees every year, right? So what is the alternative? Here are a few options to replace your dependency on this prominent pollutant.
1. Recycled paper
This is paper made from recycled materials. Basically, paper made from paper. This means that we don’t have to cut down more trees and we don’t contribute to methane emission by dumping it. Recycled paper requires 60% less energy for production in comparison to virgin paper, resulting in low pollutants released.
So when in need of a new writing pad, search for the “recycled paper” symbol. It is a triangle made of three arrows chasing each other, on a colored circle. It is often mistaken with the “recycling” symbol. The “recycling” symbol does not have the circle enclosing the triangle and it merely means that the object can be recycled, but not necessarily made from recycled material. Such an item is good enough too! Collect all your recyclable paper and deliver it to a nearby recycling center.
2. Bagasse paper
Bagasse is the agricultural waste from sugarcane and sorghum stalks, which is highly rich in fiber. It is used as a wood substitute in paper and pulp industries in countries like India, China, Iran and Argentina. It is a peculiar substance that can be used to make soft and thin products like tissue and writing paper to tough composite boards that resemble plywood.
Though I’ve personally not come across bagasse paper in Sri Lanka, I have heard of Critco Lanka. It is a company that produces disposable products that include party items and packaging material, claimed to be made from bagasse. Their showroom is at China Street, Pettah if you are interested.
3. Rag paper
It is also known as cotton paper since it’s made of cotton linters (covering of the cottonseed) or used cloth. It is an extremely high-quality paper due to its high fiber content. It is not easily discolored and very long-lasting. Therefore important documents like bank notes are often printed on it. You might assume it to be on the pricey end, but different grades of paper can be easily produced, according to consumer needs. Most rag papers contain a watermark at the edge, indicating its pure cotton. Though it may not be easy to find in Sri Lanka, 85gsm A4 papers can be bought online for less than a dollar!
4. Kenaf paper
Kenaf is a hardy plant which is a more environmentally friendly substitute to the more popular industrial plant, pine. It is able to reach the height of about 15 feet in five months when pine requires 17 years of growth before harvest! It also yields five times more fiber than pine.
It needs minimal fertilizer and pesticides and is able to grow in poor soil. Kenaf paper is whiter and uses 20% less energy during production, compared to pine. Unlike conventional industries that use chlorine to bleach paper, hydrogen peroxide is used in kenaf paper industries. This chemical breaks down to water and has no harm to the environment, upon release.
Unfortunately, this paper is expensive and very few suppliers are found worldwide. But, kenaf can be easily grown in Sri Lanka. There are many un-irrigable highlands in the dry zone which can be used to grow kenaf during the Maha season.
5. Electronic media
E-books, E-marketing, E-receipts and E-mails have saved many trees, without a doubt. They are faster and less energy-consuming. But its effects are debatable due to the growing amounts of E-wastes produced by electronics. E-wastes contain harmful chemicals like Cadmium and Lead which are dangerous to human health. Therefore correct methods of disposal should be made aware and recycling must become more habitual.
So there it is. Books being the theme of this month, we need to keep in mind the impact it has on our environment. Though it is close to impossible to get rid of paper entirely, we can try. Realizing one simple everyday activity or product used, that is potentially hurting the environment and replacing it with a more eco-friendly alternative can go miles to save our dying planet.
Be a part of the #teamtrees movement and donate, so a tree can be planted for every dollar. Start small, like stating that you don’t need a receipt at the counter if it is just going to end up in a trash can. Maybe start using a handkerchief instead of tissue or buying E-books instead of a paperback! After all, the ocean is just little drops of water.
Here are a few sites that you have to check out!!!
Team trees donation site: https://teamtrees.org/
Sri Lankan Recycling centers: http://www.pulse.lk/everythingelse/list-for-recyclers-in-sri-lanka/
Recycled items store: http://www.ebcsl.com/
Esther Swamidason
EBH 2022