We all know that millions of trees are cut down each year to make paper for books, magazines and more. As the demand for books increase, so does the number of trees being cut down. How can we stop this vicious cycle? It is impossible to stop reading and writing. So, what other alternatives do we have? Paper is biodegradable but why let it rot when you can re-use it in so many ways?

Books have been and will remain a treasure chest of wisdom. A novel, a textbook or a magazine provides us with insight into human character, latest news and developments in the scientific world and new trends. Pass on old books that you have to others so that they too can benefit from it. Your local library may accept old magazines and books which are in good condition. School and college libraries also accept old books and magazines. Of course, the content of the magazine does matter when you donate to educational institutions. Doctors and dentists offices also would be glad to accept old magazines for use in their waiting rooms.

Another good idea is to swap old books with friends. Once you have finished reading a novel, check out whether others in your friends circle or neighborhood are interested in reading it. If so, you can swap it for another book which you have not read yet. You can check out the internet for sites which permit users to swap books. You may have to post the details of the book you have at hand and wait till you get a response from someone who wishes to swap their book for yours. BookMooch.com is one such site where you can swap books with other book lovers anywhere in the world.

If you wish to make some cash from your old books, why not sell it? You can conduct a sale at home or sell your books at used book stores or flea markets. There are several websites which permit you to sell used books online. The eBay for instance, permits you to sell used books on their site.

Eco-Libris has come up with an innovative idea to replace trees that are being cut down to make paper. If you wish to participate, you will have to pay Eco-Libris $1 for every new book you buy. They will plant one tree per dollar. You will even get a sticker which you can paste on your book to show that its paper has been replaced.

If you have kids at home, keep a few old magazines at home. Your kids can use pictures and clippings to make collages and picture boards. They can also use the paper to make paper mache items or try out their hands at origami. You can even make envelopes for cards using colorful paper from magazines. Glossy paper from magazines adds a dash of color to a room that has been decorated for a kid’s party. You can use this paper to make paper lanterns, birthday caps or streamers. Rest assured if the food and games are great, the kids won’t even notice the difference.

When all else fails, recycle the paper. Almost all cities have facilities where you can hand over paper to be recycled.

By using and re-using books and magazines creatively, we will be doing our bit to reduce the felling of trees, thereby maintaining a clean and green world for our children.

Rick Missimer

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