Seems like we are in some kind of morbid hurry to consume all that is available. Time to wake up!

I have always felt that we as a society are using more paper than we should. I see it all around. In office, at homes and all places in between. Did a bit of research to find out more and I was shocked to the core. To any body who doesn't see this as a problem that requires urgent solution, I would say wake up from deep slumber. You need to do you part for our children and generations to come.

Here are the facts

1. Around the globe more than 1 million tonnes of paper is consumed every day!. More than 300 million tonnes in a year!
2. An average US office generates more than 1000 sheets of paper every day!
3. US alone (And there is big rest of the world out there) consumes 4 million tonnes of copy paper, 2 billion books, 350 million magazines and 25 billion newspapers!
4. 40% of municipal solid waste in US is paper!

Now here is the interpretation that should shock you further

1. For every ton of paper, 2 to 4 tons of trees are required!
2. More than 30 million acres of forested areas are being lost every year to meet this insatiable demand. And we are the monsters!
3. And the damage goes much beyond tree loss. There is a huge chemical based pollution apart from demands on energy and water.

What can you do

1. Get shocked!
2. Start observing paper wastage
3. Every time you use it, pause for a second and think how can you minimize or avoid usage
4. While we all keep hearing about recycles every thing, the fact is recycled paper forms under 10% of over all paper demand. 
   
5. Demand and use recycled paper, preferably one that is processed chlorine free or totally chlorine free
6. Prefer reusable recycled alternatives to disposable bags, plates, cups.
7. Think big and use your intellect to find ways to make big impacts at home, office and in society at large. Would appreciate comments and suggestions.

Posters for you to download

Think before you print elephant poster

Think before you print orangutan poster

Finally credits: WWF website, www.panda.org and a whitepaper from woodconsumption.org