Sustainability in the SDSU Library

Earth Day 2023: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Brought to you by Sarah Tribelhorn and the Green Team

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 annually and serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to care for our planet. This year we have chosen to focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling through the upcycling of an old t-shirt into a tote that can be used again and again. Reducing, reusing, and recycling, or the "three Rs," are powerful tools we can use to make a positive impact every day, not just on Earth Day. Here's why these practices are so important:

• Minimizes environmental impact: Every item we consume requires resources like water, energy, and raw materials to create and transport. Reducing consumption directly lowers this demand, lessening pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion.
• Combats climate change: Production processes often emit greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. Reducing waste reduces these emissions, helping us tackle this critical issue.
• Saves money: Consuming less saves you money on purchases, utilities, and waste disposal.
• Extends product life: Giving items a second life by repurposing them maximizes their value and keeps them out of landfills. For example, old jars can become planters, or worn clothes can be donated or turned into cleaning cloths.
• Promotes creativity: Reusing encourages innovative thinking and resourcefulness, leading to unique and often sustainable solutions.
• Reduces reliance on new products: Using pre-existing items avoids the environmental costs associated with manufacturing new ones.
• Conserves resources: Recycling materials like paper, plastic, and metals allows them to be repurposed into new products, decreasing the need for virgin resources.
• Protects ecosystems: Landfills can damage natural habitats and pollute air and water. Recycling reduces waste sent to landfills, protecting the environment.
• Creates jobs: The recycling industry creates jobs in collection, sorting, and processing facilities, boosting local economies.

By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can significantly lessen our environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. These efforts, even if small, collectively make a big difference.

Remember, Earth Day is just a starting point – embracing the "three Rs" can benefit the environment all year round! It's important to note that while all three Rs are important, reduction is generally considered the most effective. Focusing on consuming less in the first place minimizes the environmental impact across the board. Recycling and reuse are fantastic ways to manage the waste we already have, but preventing waste creation is even better.

So, on Earth Day and beyond, let's all strive to reduce, reuse, and recycle! By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

Wrapping Up Sustainability: Why Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Matters

Brought to you by Sarah Tribelhorn and the Green Team

Wrapping gifts can be a fun and festive tradition, but the mountains of discarded wrapping paper and bows each holiday season tell a different story. The environmental impact of traditional gift wrapping is undeniable, making sustainable alternatives more important than ever. Let's delve into the statistics to understand why it's time to wrap up with a green conscience:

Waste Not, Want Not:

• Wrapping paper waste: In the US alone, an estimated 2.6 billion pounds of wrapping paper is thrown away each year, enough to cover 40 football fields!
• Landfill blues: This discarded paper takes up valuable landfill space and can take years to decompose, releasing harmful methane gas in the process.
• Recycling roadblocks: Traditional wrapping paper is often coated with dyes and glitter, making it difficult or impossible to recycle.

Beyond the Paper:

• Tape troubles: The sticky stuff holding it all together, cellophane tape, is another environmental culprit. It's not biodegradable and often ends up in landfills or tangled in recycling machinery.
• Bows and baubles: Shiny ribbons and plastic ornaments may add sparkle, but they too contribute to the waste stream.

The Ripple Effect of Green Wrapping:

• Environmental benefits: Choosing sustainable wrapping methods like fabric, reusable bags, or newspaper can significantly reduce waste and carbon footprint.
• Economic advantages: Opting for reusable options can save money in the long run.
• Community impact: Embracing sustainable practices sets a positive example and inspires others to do the same.

Statistics that Speak Volumes:

• A 2022 study found that Americans spend an average of $5 billion on gift wrapping each year.
• A Wrap Company estimates that if every family in the US used just two sheets of reusable gift wrap, it would save 450 million rolls of traditional wrapping paper.
• A Terracycle survey revealed that 78% of Americans are concerned about the environmental impact of gift wrapping.

Wrapping it Up:

The numbers speak for themselves: traditional gift-wrapping practices have a significant environmental impact. By embracing sustainable alternatives, we can wrap up the holidays with a conscience and create a more joyful and eco-friendly season for everyone. So, ditch the disposable paper, embrace reusable options, and get creative with sustainable wrapping solutions. Let's make every gift a gift to the planet!

I hope these statistics and insights inspire you to explore the wonderful world of sustainable gift wrapping! Remember, every little change makes a difference. Happy holidays!

References: 

“Supply Of White Envelopes , Scribbling Note Pad , Cloth Envelope , Do Letter Pad , Name Tally , Invitation Card , Glossy Folder , Glossy Paper Note , Demand Supply Book , Commendation Certificate , File Cover , Gift Wrapping Sheet , File Cover , Rubber St.” MENA Report, SyndiGate Media Inc, 2022.