- Deforestation is the primary effect of our mindless use of paper. More than 40% of all traded industrial wood in the world is reserved for pulp and paper industries, which produce office paper, tissue, and paper-based packaging. The presence of trees within our ecosystem is substantial as they give off oxygen for us to breathe and protect our planet from further Global Warming. Deforestation is detrimental to the ecosystem as loss of habitat can lead to plant and animal extinction. While many industries have committed to reforestation projects, these artificial forests are often unsustainable and unable to support biodiversity.

- Paper pollution is another effect of paper waste and it’s a serious problem. Pulp and paper are the 3rd largest industrial polluters of air, water, and soil. Chlorine-based bleaches and chemicals are used during production which results in toxic materials being released into our water, air, and soil when disposed of. When paper rots, it emits methane gas which is 25 times more toxic than carbon dioxide and is famous for being a major contributor to the worsening of Climate Change due to its properties.

As for plastic bottles, they are also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, especially within oceans and rivers, as a bottle breaks down into microplastic particles over time, some particles may seep into the soil and eventually make their way into our waterways, ultimately entering and polluting the ocean.

- From torn paper to used wrappers, it is no wonder that a third of all litter is paper products. Littering can make an area entirely unattractive for tourists and other citygoers. Furthermore, they attract insects and rodents, turning an area into a perfect breeding ground for various diseases.

- Mistakes in printing, packaging, and labeling often result in them being thrown out and resulting in the production of new papers. If that happens every day, mistakes in printing and equipment maintenance like the printer can add up fast. The high costs of the inefficient use of paper are difficult to ignore. Not to mention the expenses needed for the transportation and disposal of these large amounts of paper. Furthermore the production of paper in the industry require a tremendous amount of energy and resources, which contributes to the environmental consequences listed above.