Since the topic of this month's report is to save paper, save tree. I decided to drop these few tips to bring us to consciousness on how/why we should save paper. 

About 392.7 million metric tonnes of paper are produce worldwide and almost 410 million tonnes were consumed between 2015 - 2017. The primary source of raw materials for production of paper is fiber, obtained mainly from plants, 90% of paper comes from the tree. These papers are made into paper towels, corrugated cartons, newspaper prints, books, cards, notebooks and other stationery.

Cutting down the tree is dangerous and damage our tropical forests. Some of these trees are not sustainably harvested which causes: 

Climate change

Limited water and other pollution. 

It is also waste money. 

It cuts down energy production

Scientist estimates that forest loss account for around 23% of current man-made CO2 emission which equates 17% of the 100 years warning impact of all current green house gas emission. When we cut down trees, we put our environment at risk. Trees absorb water CO2 from the air as they grow, using energy from the sun. This turns building blocks for their trunk, branches and foliage. 

This is all the carbon cycle ,when trees are cut down much of it stores carbon and releases it again into the air. Mature trees does not only reduce the amount of CO2 in the air, but they are store carbon and releases it into the atmosphere which is very harmful for humans.

If we cut down trees, it will reduce the ecological balance thereby limit rainfall (less water for irrigation). Trees are living organism; humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbondioxide and bring out oxygen. Trees extract water from the soil, stores it and releases it back to the atmosphere- this process is called transpiration. When does trees are cut down, the water stored is lost thereby causing less rainfall and dry ocean.

Using electric gadget like computer, projector and tablets in schools helps in reducing the use of paper. When we print paper, we spend more  physical cash. More devastating, waste paper are being disposed indiscriminately by burning them which releases carbon monoxide which causes air pollution.

Recycling is the extraction and recovery of valuable materials from scrap and other discarded materials.

It has been estimated that recycling one tonne of waste paper saves approximately 24 trees, 2.5 barrels of oil, 4100 kilowatts hour of electricity, 4 cubic meters of landfill and 31,780 litres of water as compared to making virgin paper from woods. 

Items that are no longer useful to us can be reused to make something better, as the saying "one man's waste is another's wealth". Papers in our homes, offices and classrooms can be reused for either craft, wall decorations etc So before thinking of throwing these papers away read these helpful tips

1. Print on both sides of paper
2. Use fabric napkins
3. Use emails as correspondence instead of sending paper mails
4. Do not place paper contents in business cards (such as a postal mailing address). Only put emails and phone, this forces people to contact you through electronic medium.
5. Avoid buying items packed in non-recyclable materials
6. After reading of newspaper, seek alternative use for it like gift wrapping or children paper craft
7. Buy products with less packaging
8. Have any paper statements that are normally mailed to you - such as bills, financial statements,  etc emailed to you instead  and pay either online or phone
9. When wrapping presents opt for reusable wrapping paper instead of the normal one
10. Use the backside of a piece of paper for notes, messages etc instead of buying separate stationery for your grocery list or meal plan
11. Store important documents on your computer rather than printed form
12. Reduce junk mails by in subscribing from list you do not have to be in. By doing so,  you save some trees by not having to print or copy those 45 pages magazines to you
13. Do not use paper plates. Use durable and washable plates if you need something for snacks and grills
14. Use handkerchief instead of Kleenex
15. Please ladies opt for liquid makeup remover instead of makeup wipes, to remove makeup from face
16. Use a white board for lists/ notes/ announcement
17. Use rags instead of paper towel