First let me say that a perfect solution to all of the threats to environment does not yet exist.Plastic is made from petroleum, is not biodegradable,and is rarely recycled. Paper making is energy intensive.But if we follow the simple principles of reduce reuse and recycle, we can make the planet a better place for future generations.

I keep hearing we need to invest millions and billions of dollars in research for new technologies that make us less dependent on foreign oil.Everything from Hybrid engines to solar power is back in the mix as the possible savior.We now have biofuels but that has been shown to be far from perfect.Everyone knows that we need to rely less on foreign oil supplies.

I think the research is great.It will definitely pay off-in twenty years.Do not stop the research! It is important that we are always looking for new technology that will make the old obsolete, but there are things we can be doing right now (that do not require research) to become less dependent on foreign oil.But energy is only a part of the environmental issue.We must reduce our environmental footprint worldwide. The amount of solid waste we generate is appalling and growing every day world wide.Here is where paper shines. More than 1/2 the paper consumed is now recycled. Recycling rates are increasing as recovered paper markets, both here in the US and abroad, remain strong.

Here’s an idea: lower the amount of Petroleum needed to produce plastics by using recycled paper materials for as many of your packaging needs as possible.As alternative sources of energy come on stream domestic paper mills will be able to buy “clean energy” from wind or nuclear to use in making paper.You will always need oil to make large quantities of plastic.Corn based plastics are being developed but they will compete with Biofuels for raw materials and drive up the cost of foods made from corn. In addition less energy is needed to make recycled paper than making it from trees (not to mention we save the tree which makes oxygen).It’s that simple. Our virgin papers made from trees come from companies that practice sustainable forestry.We can become less dependent today.No new technology needed.All that is needed is a consumer that cares and demands recycled,recyclable, biodegradable,and compostable packaging whenever possible.