First let me say that a perfect solution to all of the threats to environment does not yet exist. Plastic is made from petroleum, is not biodegradable, and is rarely recycled. Paper making is energy intensive. But if we follow the simple principles of reduce reuse and recycle, we can make the planet a better place for future generations.

I keep hearing we need to invest millions and billions of dollars in research for new technologies that make us less dependant on foreign oil.  Everything from Hybrid engines to solar power is back in the mix as the possible “savior”.  We now have biofuels but that has been shown to be far from perfect. Everyone knows that we need to rely less on foreign oil supplies.

I think the research is great.  It will definitely pay off….in twenty years.  Do not stop the research!  It is important that we are always looking for new technology that will make the old obsolete, but there are things we can be doing right now (that do not require research) to become less dependant on foreign oil.  But energy is only a part of the environmental issue. We must reduce our environmental footprint worldwide. The amount of solid waste we generate is appaling and growing every day worlwide. Here is where paper shines. More than 1/2 the paper consumed is now recycled. Recycling rates are increasing as recovered paper markets, both here in the US and abroad, remain strong.

Here’s an idea: lower the amount of Petroleum needed to produce plastics by using recycled paper materials for as many of your packaging needs as possible.  As alternative sources of energy come on stream domestic paper mills will be able to buy “clean energy” from wind or nuclear to use in making paper. You will always need oil to make large quantities of plastic. Corn based plastics are being developed but they will compete with Biofuels for raw materials and drive up the cost of foods made from corn. In addition less energy is needed to make recycled paper than making it from trees (not to mention we save the tree which makes oxygen). It’s that simple. Our virgin papers made from trees come from companies that practice sustainable forestry. We can become less dependant today.  No new technology needed.  All that is needed is a consumer that cares and demands recycled, recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable packaging whenever possible.

I don’t understand how as a nation of consumers we continue to tolerate polystyrene peanuts. What does that say about us? Are we that shallow?  What ever happened to the big picture? 

Look, I’m not asking you buy our products (Don’t get me wrong you should be buying our products). All I am saying is everything we buy and ship in this world is packaged. WE MUST START USING PACKAGING MATERIALS THAT REALLY WILL GET RECYCLED! It’s even better if they are made from recycled materials.

So here is my email address thinksustainable@papernuts.com I am inviting the entire world to send me one good reason why we shouldn’t demand that as many packaging materials as possible be made from materials recycled in existing waste streams. Turn trash into cash and eliminate the expense of waste removal and storage in landfills. 

We will try to provide as much information helpful information as possible. (See our green links page). An enlightened consumer will make ethically and environmentally responsible demands to the companies that serve us. We are willing to compete for and earn ourshare in this market. In the words of Jerry Maguire, “Who’s coming with me?”