Back in 2005, my father in-law started talking to me about buying recycled paper products. Well.... to be exact....it was toilet paper. From him, I started learning about where paper products come from and how they are made. Needless to say, I was shocked when I found out that single use products (like facial tissues and toilet paper) are made from 100% virgin tree fibers that come from 70-180 year old trees. Old growth forests are being cut down and eco-systems are being destroyed so that we can wipe and blow.
One of the first major changes that I made-- on the road to environmental responsibility-- was to make the decision to stop buying any products from Kimberly-Clark including Kleenex, Scott, Viva, and Cottenelle. Why Kimberly-Clark? I started there first because they are the largest manufacturer of tissue products worldwide. It took me a couple of months, as I transitioned from buying virgin-fiber tissue products to 100% recycled tissue products. Now, I'm not going to sit here and lie and say it was easy... it was a little difficult. The soft, lotion enhanced tissues were a thing of the past. And every time I got a cold and had a sore red nose, I questioned my commitment to the environment. In those moments I would tell myself, "I'd have a sore red nose no matter what." Then I'd put on a little lotion or skin protector (similar to Chapstick). Now, it doesn't even faze me.
Most recently, I've seen new "green washing" slogans. How about that claim: "For every tree we cut down, we plant 3!" Sure it's a great slogan and has the ability to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. But the truth of the matter is that chances are only 1 of 3 will survive and planting 3 trees doesn't replace ecosystems.
Here's something to think about: If every household in the US replaced JUST one roll of 500 sheet virgin-fiber toilet paper with 100% recycled ones, we could save:
- 423,900 trees
- 1.0 million cubic feet of landfill space, equal to 1,600 full garbage trucks
- 153 million gallons of water, a year's supply for 1,200 families of 4
So when you head to the store (sometimes it's best to call ahead)... seek out 100% recycled products. Can't find what you're looking for? Talk to a manager, write a comment and voice your opinion... let your preference be known :)
OR keep it simple and order online. We use www.treecycle.com
Read a little more and try some of these tips :)
I hope you don't mind if I post this to my blog! It's a great follow up to my little rant! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOf course I don't mind... I LOVE your rant!!! :D
ReplyDelete