Increase Recycling: Paper and Cardboard

Provided by: Project Drawdown |Published on: March 27, 2023

Articles/Websites

9101112AP

Synopsis

This article highlights the role of recycling as a climate solution, including a section on recycled paper that discusses the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by keeping paper and cardboard out of landfills.
There are also sections for recycling plastics, metals, and glass. Users will need to toggle using the tabs on the data visualizations for paper and cardboard-specific data.
Students will learn about the processes used to produce both recycled and conventional material production, the energy and greenhouse gas emissions released during both processes, the financial implications of this climate solution, and predictions about global paper production and consumption.

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Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics

Authors: Project Drawdown

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This resource provides a "Take Action" section that details some practical ideas for students.
The article is organized like a brief scientific paper, which can help increase comprehension.

Prerequisites

It may be helpful for students to have familiarity with the format of a scientific paper.

Differentiation & Implementation

Provide students with the opportunity to explore this table of solutions or other related solutions listed below the article, choosing another solution for comparison.
As an extension activity, ask students to connect with community organizations to ensure that they are recycling paper and see what supports they need to get started if they are not.
Give students the opportunity to compare the recycling of other materials, including metals and plastics.
Compare the research results presented in this resource with information about the effectiveness of recycling plastics and other materials, as discussed in this podcast, which explores whether recycling certain items is effective or counterproductive.
Pair students up to have them discuss what role electronic media might play in the future of the paper industry, using reasons and evidence to support opinions.
Consider having students participate in an activity where they learn about paper recycling by using old paper to make new seed paper.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Project Drawdown

Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”—the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown as they look to advance effective climate action. Project Drawdown resources for educators include the database of Drawdown Solutions, educational video series Climate Solutions 101, the Drawdown Stories initiative, and more.

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All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.