We've Gone Paperless
By 2060, global consumption of pulp and paper is expected to double, so what does this mean for our planet?
Increasing consumption creates an increased demand for production, putting pressure on our forests that are already in a critical state. Unfortunately, deforestation is one of the key environmental issues that our planet is facing, with paper consumption accounting for 42% of all global wood harvest. Forests are the ecosystem for thousands of species that could face extinction whilst deforestation continues to increase at an alarming rate.
With a growth in consumption, comes a growth in waste.
During manufacturing, chlorine based bleaches are often applied to paper products, which when dumped in landfill, results in toxic by-products being released into our water, air and soil. By reducing paper usage, we can minimise our impact on forests, ensure our environment is not polluted, and produce less waste.
That’s why we’ve decided to go paperless with our delivery notes. Committed to reducing our impact on the environment, introducing paperless delivery notes will save over 50,000 sheets of paper annually. Instead, delivery notes will be added to order despatch emails instead.
That’s the equivalent of…
As you will know, forests help manage our carbon emissions, improve our air quality, protect us from natural disasters such as floods and landslides, and are great for creating a rich biodiverse community for nature to thrive. Without them, we will lose the battle against the climate crisis. It is imperative that we all do our part in reducing the need for deforestation, so that we can continue to live on a planet that we are proud to call ours.
But we can’t act alone. In order for change, we must all play a part in protecting and preserving our environment. And whilst we can’t all do everything, we can all can do something.
So what can you or your business do to help?
Reduce
Consider your need for paper and reduce where possible. On average, 12.5 million tonnes of paper is used in the UK alone - equating to a forest the size of Wales. With the advancement of technology in an ever adapting digital age, minimising the need for paper is easier than ever. After purchasing a product, choose an email receipt over paper, use digital delivery notes, or opt out of paper subscriptions.
Where possible, avoid disposable paper products such as paper towels and napkins, and instead opt for handkerchiefs and fabric towels.
Look out for packaging and products that are 100% post-consumer waste recycled. Choosing products that are made from recycled paper removes the need for using natural resources, reduces the amount of trees that are cut down to create paper, and helps to prevent a highly polluting supply chain. Recycled paper is of equal quality to virgin paper, uses less energy, water, and produces lower carbon emissions. Not only is using recycled paper great for the environment, but it demonstrates your commitment to keeping our planet protected.
Reuse
Use your paper products until the end of their life - a great product that can be reused are cardboard boxes, perfect for safely storing or transporting a variety of items. For draft papers, print on any unused side of old papers before printing the final document. A great way to repurpose left over office paper is to shred it and use it as packing materials to keep goods protected.
Recycle
The way you dispose of your paper greatly affects the impact of paper waste on the environment. It takes 70% less energy to recycle than to manufacture new paper from trees, and helps in reducing the emissions that contribute to greenhouse gases. If every person in the UK recycled 10% more paper waste, it would save around 10 millions trees per year. Not only does recycling help to preserve our forests, but it saves space in landfill sites, reducing the amount of pollution in our atmosphere caused by incineration.
Maintain a paper recycling programme - incorporate sustainable waste management into your business by educating on how to correctly dispose of paper waste through recycling, and how great it is for the environment.
Find out where your nearest recycling point is.
Partner with the Rainforest Trust UK
Supporting a charity whose mission is to protect threatened tropical forests and endangered wildlife can help to reduce the abundance of trees that are cut down each year for paper consumption. Any donations made are doubled, and having already permanently protected over 25 million acres, their work helps to combat climate change, deforestation, and ultimately protect our planet.
You may think that your actions alone won’t help save our planet, but no matter where you live or what you do - we are all connected to our environment. It’s our Earth and it’s up to us to choose whether we make a difference for better or for worse.
Don't forget, we're running other great promotions exclusively on our affiliate programme, offer 10% commission for new customers, as well as free next day delivery on orders over £250 - if you haven't already, join us today!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Priory Direct Affiliate Team
Chloe Winsper | cjw@priorydirect.co.uk | Samantha Holmes | sgh@priorydirect.co.uk | Lauren Churcher | lrc@priorydirect.co.uk
References & Sources
Paper Waste Facts - https://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/paper-waste-facts
Recycling Facts - https://www.recyclingbins.co.uk/recycling-facts/
The Benefits of Recycling - https://www.environmental-solutions.org.uk/the-benefits-of-recycling/