Paper and printing have formed a basis for modern civilization. These two inventions meant that knowledge could be recorded and widely spread; laws, literature, science and philosophy could be communicated across continents and oceans. Even computers rely on paperfor printing out. We have also come to rely on paper packaging, from the paper bag to the cardboard box. Then there is writing paper, tissue-paper, wallpaper and tracing paper-paper comes in many forms and has hundreds of uses. 

Paper was first made inChina 2,200 years ago. The basic process was the same as it is today. Plant fibers are suspended in water, drained through a sieve, then dried and rolled. The Chinese used mainly hemp fibers. When papermaking spread to the West, recycled textiles were used -mainly linen, then later, cotton.

A hundred years ago the demand for paper grew so fast that new milling techniques were developed, and wood fiber took over as the main raw material. In the United States at the turn of the century, 60 percent of the fibers used were from wood pulp, but 40 percent were from waste paper and rags. As the demand for paper grew, new mills were built, and new supplies ofmaterials were sought. Fast-growing trees were specially planted in different parts of the world to produce wood pulp more cheaply....

This is the fourth issue of the series of posts “365 Ways to Save the Earth. It is devoted to environment protection and energy saving. Read the previous post here Roll Off Dumpster Rentals Blog . This time we would like to share a few more tips and easy-to-do recommendations on how we can contribute to saving not-renewable resources and protect our environment and our communities for ourselves and future generations.

Use wood for heating.

America's forests cover 745 million acres, or 33% of the entire country. Of that total U.S. forested area, 495 million acres, or 67 %, are commercial forests that are used to produce timber for wood products.  

Canada's forests cover 397.3 million hectares (ha), other wooded land and other land with tree cover, which represent 53.8 percent of its total surface.  Canada is the home to 10% of world's forests.

As a source of energy, wood does not contribute to global warming.  Although burning it releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, the amount given of is the same as the amount absorbed while the tree...

Computer Printout

Computer printout is the most valuable of the high-grade office paper. It may have colored bars and may be impact or nonimpact (laser) type. Many markets prefer to purchase colored-bar paper. Usually it is a green bar. Many markets prefer impact type or not to mix impact and laser. It is important in planning an office paper recycling program to determine precisely, what the market requires.

Computer printout is generally considered too valuable to mix with other high-grade papers and should be kept separate and free from contamination. Some manifold white ledger paper may appear to be similar to computer printout. Where there is not ablolute certainty, a market expert should be consulted.

White Ledger

White ledger should generally be considered any fine white writing, printing, typing, or copy paper containing no color other than black. The market must always be consulted for precise specifications. Certain qualities of book pages, completely separated from covers and bindings, might be allowed in this grade by certain markets.

Other Office Paper

Colored  ledger should generally be considered any fine...

Roofing With Slates

Perhaps no other roofing material lasts as long as slate. Incredibly, come old churches and homes from America’s colonial period still have their original slate roofs. Slate is still in demand for updscale custom homes, churches, and country-club clubhouses, but most new instead, because they are so much cheaper.

Like asphalt shingles, slate comes in many colors, sizes, grades, and weights. Due to its weight – three times that of asphalt – roof rafters and roof sheathing need to be up to code to support slate’s heavy load. Slate can be placed over a layer of composition shingles only if the slope of the roof is 4-in-12 or more, and only if a structural engineer has confirmed that the roof framing can bear the weight of 7 pound per square foot.

Today, only handfuls of roofing companies specializing exclusively in slate are in business. Most roofing contractors will do occasional slate roofs. And because it is difficult to cut and apply, slate roofing is not an easy job for the do-it-yourselfers. If you do decide to do the work, expect to make a considerable investment in time and materials.

Installing Slate

Slate should be installed tilted slightly upward at the eaves,...