When was the last time you thought about a paper towel? Three weeks ago? Never?
Guess what? Paper still represents 40% of our nation’s landfill content according to Green Seal. With thousands of recycling programs going on in communities all 
across the United States and world, this is shocking to me – and it should be to you too. It is time for all of us to stop wasting and start thinking about every day household items, like paper towels, which are making a significant impact on our environment.
More statistics from Green Seal state, “Every ton of 100% recycled paper saves an estimated 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, 7,000 gallons of water and 60 pounds of air pollutants. If all paper towels were made with 100% recycled materials, approximately 1 million tons of used paper would be kept out of our waste stream.”
Purchasing paper towels which are made from recycled content would be the first step your family can take to reduce waste.
Along with the paper content of the paper towels, there is also the paper content for the cardboard insert. While paper towels themselves are often unrecyclable after use, why not recycle the cardboard inside your paper roll?
If you community does not have a recycling program, reuse the cardboard insert whenever possible. Some ideas include cord holders, rubber band holders, bio-degradable planting pots, and hangar supports. Children love them for crafts – make a rain-stick, “sword”, flute, or a telescope. They also make an excellent box for party favors and small gifts.
Leave a comment with your favorite way to reuse the paper towel cardboard insert and help the online community make a difference!
Shawna Coronado says Get Healthy! Get Green! Get Community! http://www.thecasualgardener.com, The Green Blog - http://www.gardeningnude.com, or The Garden Blog - http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com
When was the last time you thought about a paper towel? Three weeks ago? Never?
Guess what? Paper still represents 40% of our nation’s landfill content according to Green Seal. With thousands of recycling programs going on in communities all
across the United States and world, this is shocking to me – and it should be to you too. It is time for all of us to stop wasting and start thinking about every day household items, like paper towels, which are making a significant impact on our environment.
More statistics from Green Seal state, “Every ton of 100% recycled paper saves an estimated 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, 7,000 gallons of water and 60 pounds of air pollutants. If all paper towels were made with 100% recycled materials, approximately 1 million tons of used paper would be kept out of our waste stream.”
Purchasing paper towels which are made from recycled content would be the first step your family can take to reduce waste.
Along with the paper content of the paper towels, there is also the paper content for the cardboard insert. While paper towels themselves are often unrecyclable after use, why not recycle the cardboard inside your paper roll?
If you community does not have a recycling program, reuse the cardboard insert whenever possible. Some ideas include cord holders, rubber band holders, bio-degradable planting pots, and hangar supports. Children love them for crafts – make a rain-stick, “sword”, flute, or a telescope. They also make an excellent box for party favors and small gifts.
Leave a comment with your favorite way to reuse the paper towel cardboard insert and help the online community make a difference!
Shawna Coronado says Get Healthy! Get Green! Get Community! http://www.thecasualgardener.com, The Green Blog - http://www.gardeningnude.com, or The Garden Blog - http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com