Today, paper and paper-related products, like paper cups, bags, etc., significantly contribute to landfill sites. Paper contributes to approximately 26% of waste on a landfill site. Despite several business organizations, educational institutes, etc. moving towards paperless transactions, paper remains an extensively used product.
There are several ways of disposing of it. Burning or composting are some options to consider. However, burning paper leads to air pollution. A more environmentally friendly choice is recycling. Here we are confronted with the question, is shredding an eco-friendly option for paper disposal?
Is Shredding Eco-Friendly?
Paper shredding is a common practice used to dispose of sensitive documents and personal information and to reduce the quantity of paper so many people store.
But is shredding eco-friendly? The answer is yes; shredding is a sustainable way to dispose of unwanted paper.
Here are a few good reasons why shredding is eco-friendly.
1. Shredding Reduces The Amount Of Waste On Landfill Sites
One of the main benefits of shredding is that it reduces the amount of paper waste in landfills. Landfills are a significant source of pollution and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. By shredding paper, we can reduce the amount of waste in landfills and ultimately help reduce pollution and the adverse effects of landfills on the environment.
2. Allows For Paper Recycling
Another benefit of shredding is that it allows for paper recycling. Many paper shredders are equipped with a recycling bin, where shredded paper can be collected and sent for recycling.
This way, shredded paper is recycled to make new products, such as tissues, paper towels, and even toilet paper. Shredding reduces the need for trees to be cut down for new paper products, which is an essential consideration for our planet.
Paper is an organic material that promotes plant growth and soil improvement. Shredded paper is also ideal for composting. Composting shredded paper is an all-natural, environmentally friendly way of paper disposal.
It also reduces the amount of paper on landfill sites, oceans, etc.
3. Shredding Reduces The Carbon Footprint
The paper manufacturing process releases a high amount of harmful gases into the atmosphere. These gases are a significant contributor to air pollution and the depletion of the ozone layer.
When shredded paper is recycled, the need to produce new paper reduces, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint of the paper industry.
4. Eco-Friendly Shredding Protects Our Natural Resources
By reducing the need for new paper production and recycling shredded paper, we can conserve natural resources, like trees, water, etc., and other plant materials used in paper production.
5. Energy Efficient Paper Shredders
Along with recycling paper, we should also be mindful of saving energy. It is, therefore, a wise choice to select shredders that are energy efficient.
Several electrical shredder brands conserve electrical energy with energy efficient features such as auto shut-off and energy-saving modes.
Manual paper shredders are also available, which don’t require electricity. These types of shredders are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective. They are a good option for those who do not have sensitive information to shred.
Conclusion
Shredding is an eco-friendly way to dispose of paper waste. It reduces the need for landfills, allows for recycling, and helps to reduce the amount of energy needed to produce new paper products. As long as you are mindful of your choices, shredding is a great way to contribute to a greener future.
