Paper is used in all kinds of things. Diapers, tissues, cardboard, candy wrappers, junk mail, and newspaper are just some of the myriad uses we have for paper.

Paper fibers can be recycled. In fact, the US already recycles about a third of its newspapers, which is a great step towards a less tree-dependant economy. However, 38% of all solid waste in America remains paper products, while 500,000 trees are cut annually to make up for the 2/3 of newspaper that is not recycled.

Obviously, not all paper can be recycled. In addition, high quality papers need at least some virgin pulp. However, the pulp that is required from the paper industry does not have to come from trees. Sources such as agricultural wastes (banana and rice stalks, for example), scraps of cloth from garment making, and annual harvesting of new, more efficient plants such as hemp are all viable and inexpensive replacements for the beautiful trees which are dying to provide us with junk mail.

There are ways that you can help! The average American discards 700 pounds of paper a year. By following three simple steps you can significantly reduce your impact.

People use much more paper than is necessary. We often abuse the ability to print multiple copies or pages of a document on the computer. We receive catalogs and junk mail that we glance at and throw away, but never discontinue the subscription. We print on one side of a sheet of paper and don't use the other side.

These are all habits that are easy to change! Take advantage of the easiness of editing on a computer and don't print out multiple copies to edit. If possible, print on both sides of the paper. (You may have to manually flip the paper around. It's not that hard.) And, when you are writing drafts, use lighter, lower quality paper.

When you are buying new products, look for ones that are packaged minimally.

If you are one of the many you hate junk mail, there is hope! Go here to get more information. Also remember not to sign up for catalogs you are not interested in, and don't give out your address in contests or other suspect events.

Many communities now have newspaper recycling. However, paper recycling extends to almost all types of paper products! Junk mail, cardboard, magazines, cereal boxes, and office paper can all be recycled with newspapers.

If your community doesn't have recycling, don't stop there! Call and lobby to get recycling in your community. If that doesn't work, don't be afraid to take your recyclables to work, a friend's, or a store that can take care of them. It's worth it to make an impact on your 700 pounds.

One of the most important things to do to support recycling is to purchase recycled products. Doing so helps create a demand for recycling material, which will eventually lead to more support for recycling programs. Recycled materials occasionally cost more, but that is because their market has not grown very large yet. As demand increases, the price will go down. Besides, isn't it worth a few extra cents to know that you're helping to save trees?

When you are looking for recycled paper, also look for paper made with different virgin fibers - for example, banana stalks or hemp. These materials are not recycled but are helping to redirect the economy away from logging.