Conservation Corner

by Kirsten Jacobson

Save trees while buying paper?

Did you know there are companies manufacturing paper out of stone? Limestone that is. The paper is made from 90 percent limestone and 10 percent HDPE resin. This makes the paper waterproof and photodegradable (decomposes when exposed to sunlight). In addition, the paper is very nice to write on. Not only does this process save trees, it reduces carbon emissions.1 Stone paper can be purchased online at Office Depot or Walgreens, tinyurl.com/oxfordstone. It is best to call your local Walgreens or Office Depot or check online to see which stores have it in stock. Have you heard about carbon neutral concrete?

According to Chatham House, “As a key input into concrete, the most widely used construction material in the world, cement is a major contributor to climate change. The chemical and thermal combustion processes involved in the production of cement are a large source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Each year, more than 4 billion tonnes of cement are produced, accounting for around 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions.”2 Check out this video (tinyurl.com/TrapC02) to find out how concrete can be made to trap CO2 emissions—and, the process makes the concrete stronger meaning the concrete can be manufactured using less cement.3 GM to become carbon neutral?

General Motors has announced it is working on a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040 and will stop selling gas vehicles worldwide by 2035. It is planning on bringing out 30 new EVs by 2025 and working with EVgo and other partners to develop an infrastructure of fast charging stations by the end of 2025.4 In addition, these charging stations would be 100 percent powered by renewable energy.5 GM plans to begin building its GMC Hummer EV this fall.6

EVgo currently has charging stations in Portland, Ore. To locate their charging stations or find out more about their company or how local businesses can partner with them, visit www.evgo.com/. Notebook featuring paper made from limestone and resin.

Endnotes 1 They’re making paper out of stone—and saving lots of trees, tinyurl.com/CNNStone 2 Making Concrete Change, tinyurl.com/concretechange 3 This concrete can trap CO2 emissions, tinyurl.com/TrapC02 4 GM Makes Pledge to Stop Selling Gas Vehicles by 2035, tinyurl.com/GMVehicles 5 General Motors Aims To Be Carbon Neutral By 2040, tinyurl.com/GMNeutral 6 General Motors and EVgo Aim to Accelerate Widespread EV Adoption by Adding Fast Chargers Nationwide, tinyurl.com/GMEVgo