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Trees are the main producers of papers today. Since papers have high demand worldwide, that means billions of trees are cut down just to produce papers. So when you throw your Sunday newspaper in the garbage the next time, pause and think about what would be the consequences if the same thing happens to every household in Australia.
In the balance of the ecosystem, trees are fundamental. They supply oxygen and consume carbon dioxide at the same time. The planet is already releasing an immense amount of carbon dioxide that you can’t even imagine. On the contrary, by overcutting trees to produce wood products and papers, we continue to misuse nature.
Moreover, we are so used to seeing goods in their finished form that we seldom think of how they are manufactured and what happens after we have them disposed of. To be enlightened of the reality about the paper waste, here are some statistics and facts that will surely be an eye-opener for us to evaluate our actions towards the papers.
Yearly Paper Waste Statistics
The latest research by Forest Ethics has highlighted the unenviable crown of Australia as the world’s largest per capita buyer of paper products. Australia’s per capita consumption of paper is 223kg. A whopping four million tonnes of paper are consumed annually in Australia alone, and millions of them end up in landfills.
You need to understand that they’re the equivalent of around 70 million trees cut down. And you can really feel the impact right now because, due to the lack of these carbon dioxide absorbers, there has been a steady temperature rise.
Trees Cut Down to be Paper Waste In the Future
The main paper producers are trees. In particular, the cellulose fibres undergo complex processes to produce them, the longer the threads, the better. A typical tree produces around 8,000 to 10,000 sheets of paper on average. If you think that’s a lot, then it’s not because every year, billions of trees around the world are cut just to meet the demands of paper production.
But if you understand the market for newspapers, documents, packaging materials, and all other paper-related services worldwide for paper. It’s a big deal, too because it’s similar to the billions of trees knocked down each year.
Offices Make Tonnes of Paper Waste
In 2018, Australians produced approximately 5.6 megatonnes of paper and cardboard waste. Since Sydney is the hub of the towering offices and commercial spaces, the metro city was home to a large chunk of them.
Did you know that an average office worker consumes about 10,000 sheets of papers and 500 disposable paper cups? Imagine that if the same amount of paper is used by millions of workers around the world, there will be a period when trees will no longer sell their services.
Paper Waste Produces Pollution
Aside from causing deforestation, the paper has yet another detrimental impact on the environment, which is waste that brings pollution. Pollution from paper waste is becoming a more and more serious issue. In 2020, 500 million tons of paper are manufactured by paper mills annually.
In the industrial world, this phase is the third largest air pollutant. In addition, the processing of paper requires the use of bleaching based on chlorine. These hazardous materials can pollute both the water and the soil.
Exporting Waste Paper
Each year, Australia exports approximately 375 000 tonnes of mixed waste paper and cardboard for recycling, but this will stop by mid-2024 when the ban on waste exports from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) comes into force. Australia will need to develop its recycling capacity before the ban comes into effect so that we can recycle these products here in Australia.
Recycling Paper Helps Environment Recovery
Recycling paper saves oil and electricity and cuts the pollution of air and water. It is also an essential way for our forest habitats to be saved. However, recycling on its own is not enough. Instead, it saves trees and reduces waste and emissions by reusing paper shopping bags or using natural fibre bags. Through cutting down on the use of disposable paper items, you can help control waste further by using napkins made of fabric instead of paper or using dishes that are edible or reusable instead of paper plates or cups.
Conclusion
Waste is more than just what we bring in the garbage bins. Papers also have detrimental effects on our climate as a heavily used object in our daily lives. We use paper to store data, print newspapers and magazines, keep a record of transactions, etc., but the backlash towards humanity and society is threatening when it becomes paper waste.
At Aussie Junk Rubbish Removal, our team has a proven track record in providing excellent cleanup and rubbish removal services in Sydney. Our team will work with you to find out what you need to be removed, what we can recycle and how much it will all cost. There has never been a more efficient and cost-effective way to have rubbish safely removed on time. Give us a call on 0435 569 921 or send us an email for a free quote.
