How Does Paper Have an Impact on Society?

The Spread of Knowledge

• The invention of paper dates back to the second century A.D. in China, and it quickly became a method of preserving knowledge. However, for more than a thousand years, this information largely resided in the hands of scholars and clergy, and rarely found its way into the hands of common people. In the 15th century, improved paper production methods and the invention of movable type made it possible for anyone to publish leaflets or books, allowing for a much wider spread of information and knowledge among the populace. This diffusion of knowledge helped spur the intellectual advancements of the early modern period.

Disposable Goods

• Paper disposable goods have become commonplace in the household, with paper cups, plates, and other disposable goods making it easy to serve unexpected guests on short notice. Paper goods can also reduce the spread of bacteria and disease. According to a study by the Bradford Infection Group, drying your hands using a paper towel after washing them reduces surface bacteria counts by 77 percent, while using a hot-air dryer can actually increase bacteria by 254 percent.

Environmental Impact

• Demand for paper has led to some serious effects on the environment. Fully 35 percent of the trees cut down every year feed the paper industry, and nine percent of these trees come from old growth forests, a resource difficult to renew. Paper mills are also significant sources of water and air pollution, releasing many different types of greenhouse gas into the environment and discharging toxic bleach byproducts into the water table.

Trash and Recycling

• The sheer volume of paper waste has helped drive efforts to handle trash more responsibly and spurred the development of the recycling industry. According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, paper makes up the largest single material in the municipal waste stream, accounting for 28 percent of all garbage thrown away. As of 2011, Americans recycled two-thirds of that waste, reducing the need for deforestation and reducing pressure on already critical landfill space. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, more than 140 paper mills now use reclaimed pulp exclusively to make new paper, drastically reducing the amount of energy and water needed to create new paper products.