The green living movement encourages people around the world to recycle plastic, glass, aluminum and paper products whenever possible. Recycling paper reduces wastes, conserves energy and natural resources, decreases air and water pollution and preserves the natural habitats of different kinds of wildlife. Cardboard, office paper and newsprint can all be recovered for use in recycling and these materials can subsequently be transformed into a number of different paper products.
Traditional Uses
Recycled paper can be used to make virtually any kind of traditional paper product, including newspapers, paper plates, cardboard, stationary, business cards, paper grocery bags, shoe boxes, napkins, fiber board, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, wrapping paper, greeting cards, brochure papers, books, envelopes, magazines, postcards, catalogs and copy paper.
Construction Materials
Recycled paper can also be used to make certain types of building materials, including cellulose fiberboard and insulation. Cellulose, which is primarily made from recycled wood fibers, such as those found in newsprint, presents an inexpensive way to insulate your home and potentially save money on your energy bills. The CreaFill Company of Kent County, Maryland has successfully incorporated recycled cellulose fibers into construction mortar, grout, pipe coatings, paint, roof coatings, highway asphalt, trim and moldings.
Animal Products
Recycled paper and cardboard material has become increasingly popular for use in different types of animal bedding. There are numerous companies around the world using recycled paper products to create bedding for the agriculture industry and individual pet owners. Bedding material may be made from recycled corrugated cardboard, newsprint or dried paper pulp.
The primary advantages to using recycled paper material in lieu of sawdust or wood chips is that it offers increased absorbency and comfort, is very sanitary, does not generate a high level of dust and is inexpensive and biodegradable. Additionally, there are companies such as FibreCycle in Australia that use recycled paper materials to create eco-friendly bedding as well as litter for cats, reptiles, birds and small mammals.
Other Uses
Aside from the obvious uses for recycled paper, there are several other ways to make use of recovered paper products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycled paper can also be used to make paper money, tape, bandages, cardboard egg cartons, lamp shades, coffee filters, hospital gowns and dust masks. Other unusual uses for recycled paper include original art pieces, such as paper mache sculptures, clothing, lamps, picture frames, handbags, vases and decorative beads.
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