In view of the extensive damage done to our environment, it is worrying that many do not consider on saving paper usage. Parts as big as football fields of the rainforests are cleared for the trees for its wood and manufacture of paper.

What can we do to save the trees?

First of all, we need to cut down on the usage of paper itself. This falls under the REDUCE category of the 3 Rs'. How can we go about reducing the usage? In this technologically driven age, we can substitute paper documents with electronic documents such as emails and WORD documents. In taking down small notes or scribbling few lines, use a smaller piece of paper rather than a clean A4 sheet which leads to wastage. We can plan carefully what we wish to write before we set out working on the paper. If we do so, we can cut down the chances of crushing the whole paper and throwing it into the paper basket.

Secondly, we can make use of the paper more than once. This falls under the REUSE category of the 3 Rs'. How can we go about reusing the papers? One effective method is to keep unwanted or used papers as writing or scribbling material at a later date. We can use them to jot down ideas or reminders. There is no need to throw the used paper just because it was used. A good source are paper fliers and papers with only one side used. We can use the other side which is blank to write on.

Lastly, we can RECYCLE the paper. Once the paper is beyond reuse, we can send the papers to be recycled. Recycling will reduce our dependency for new papers.

On the individual level, we can practice the 3 R's and encourage others to do so. On the organizational level, we can make it a part of the organizations culture and reward employees who put in effort to save paper. On the government level, we can conduct campaigns and educate the public on saving paper and trees. The government can also place restrictions and pass laws on deforestation and come out with actions to replant the trees that were cut down.

When all three levels are practiced and promoted, it will definitely cut down the overall usage of papers, leading to the saving of trees.

Learn more about this author, Kuok Wei.
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