How to Buy Recycled Paper Plates

Paper plates are convenient, but the majority of paper plates are the product of trees that have been cut down. Trees have a great environmental impact. They absorb pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide through their leaves and provide oxygen for you to breathe. Due of this impact on the environment, it is wise to help save as many trees as possible. By purchasing recycled paper plates, you'll be using a product that has been recycled from other materials rather than from cutting down additional trees.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit a local retail or department store known for selling eco-friendly products, such as Target. The recycled paper plates will typically be located in the "Paper Goods" section. Dixie, Solo and Natural Elements are just a few of the companies whose recycled paper plates are sold in retail stores.

• 2

  Look at the packaging. It should state whether or not the plates are recycled. The package should also tell you what percentage of the plates was made from recycled material. The higher the percentage, the better, if you are trying to be environmentally friendly. The packaging will also tell you if the paper plates are biodegradable, and will indicate what percentage of the plates was made from post-consumer materials. Higher percentages are best for these as well. If the plates are white, the label should say whether they were whitened using chemicals such as bleach or if they were whitened using a process that is safe for the environment.

• 3

  Visit websites such as Eco Products.com, Chinet.com, and Amazon.com to purchase paper plates online. By shopping for your recycled plates online, you'll have access to a wider variety and brands that aren't available in retail stores. When buying online, you can specify the quantity of plates you would like to order. To order the plates online, you will need to enter valid credit card information and a shipping address.