How to Make Recycling Paper a Habit This Earth Day

Earth Day is like a birthday party for our planet, without the cake and presents (although a clean environment is the best gift we could ask for). It’s a day where we celebrate the beauty and diversity of our home and take a moment to appreciate all the amazing things it provides for us. So, let’s put on our party hats (which, of course, are made from recycled materials) and get ready to celebrate like it’s 4.5 billion years old!

But before we start the festivities, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we treat our planet. Do we recycle and reduce our waste? Do we conserve energy and resources? Do we make eco-friendly choices in our daily lives? If the answer is no, then we have some serious party fouls to clean up. 

Recycling is like the superhero of the environmental world. It swoops in, saves the day, and makes the world a better place to live. Okay, maybe it doesn’t wear a cape, but the impact it has on our planet is no less significant. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, conserves resources, and helps to fight climate change. Plus, it’s the ultimate way to show Mother Nature some love.

Recycling paper products is an important part of a sustainable future. Sadly, many Americans are still in the dark when it comes to the basics of recycling. According to the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB), only 57% of Americans realize that pizza boxes can be recycled, and fewer than half know the basics of recycling. However, with a little help from P+PB’s top data points and tips, consumers can make recycling paper a habit.

“Earth Day is about celebrating and protecting our shared planet. Part of a sustainable future is choosing paper and paper packaging since these can be recycled up to seven times and are sourced from trees—a renewable resource….We are sharing data and tips to bolster awareness and build better paper recycling habits. 

Mary Anne, President of the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB)

Here are five key data points to keep in mind:

• 95% of Americans say they recycle, but fewer than half know the basics of recycling.
• 78% of people who do not always recycle confess feeling guilty.
• Only 57% of Americans realize pizza boxes can be recycled, even though a majority of people have access to pizza box recycling.
• Only half of Americans say they recycle habitually.
• Americans who always or frequently recycle say they are doing their part to save the planet (88%)–compared to those who only sometimes or rarely recycle (67%).

We are all caretakers of the planet – so whether it’s choosing paper over plastic packaging or recycling paper products when you are done with them, every decision helps reduce waste.

Mary Anne, President of the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB)

To help make recycling paper a habit, P+PB recommends adopting these five simple tips:

• Get Bins: Place recycling bins in the kitchen and other places around the home to make it convenient.
• Prep Boxes: Empty and flatten packaging and boxes, removing excess fillers or food before putting them in the recycling bin.
• Be Accountable: Encourage all family members and guests to pitch in.
• Make a List: Put a list on the bins and trashcans reminding about what is recyclable.
• Be Informed: Check local recycling guidelines at BeRecycled.org.

Paper, paper, on the wall, who’s the greenest of them all? That’s right, paper-based products! They come from a renewable resource, but let’s not forget that trees are the lungs of the Earth. So, use paper wisely and recycle it when you can.

In the US, paper companies grow and maintain forests at a rate that would make even the most dedicated gardener green with envy. So, let’s show some appreciation for their efforts and let’s show some love for our planet on Earth Day. Turn recycling paper into a daily habit!