According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper makes up about 25% of household waste. This includes:
* Newspaper
* Magazines
* Catalogs
* Junk mail
* Envelopes
* Paper bags
* Cardboard boxes
School rubbish
The percentage of paper in school rubbish can vary depending on the school, but it is typically around 30-40%. This includes:
* Paper from notebooks and folders
* Worksheets
* Tests
* Homework assignments
* Art projects
* Paper bags
* Cardboard boxes
Reducing paper waste
There are many ways to reduce paper waste, both at home and at school. Some simple tips include:
* Reduce your consumption of paper products. For example, read the news online instead of buying a newspaper, and opt for electronic bills and statements whenever possible.
* Reuse paper products whenever possible. For example, use old printer paper as scrap paper, and save cardboard boxes for storage or shipping.
* Recycle paper products. Most communities offer curbside recycling for paper products, and many schools have paper recycling bins.
By reducing, reusing, and recycling paper, we can help to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and protect our environment.