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Paper and cardboard shredding is helping businesses and individuals. A Hawaii business has shredded 22,200 pounds and contributed to less methane emission.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that paper and cardboard made up the most of municipal waste in 2018. Americans threw away 76.4 tons of cardboard waste.

68% of this waste was recycled, while 32% was incinerated or sent to landfills. The cardboard and paper waste sent to landfills is problematic because it releases methane. Methane is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. The EPA says methane from landfills causes 15.1% of all emissions in the US.

According to EcoWatch, residents are taking the matter into their own hands. That’s the case in Hawaii, where a cardboard shredding organization (Circle Pack) founded by Evan Lam has come up with solutions that are better for the environment.

“One of the biggest responses that I see happening kind of all over the world, and here in Hawaii, is localization. The more that we can do and process and take care of things at a local or regional level that’s kind of geographically bounded, the further we can get in just eliminating sources of greenhouse gas emissions.” 


Evan Lam, Founder of Circle Pack 

Together with his partner Chantal Chang, Lam established a 24/7 community cardboard dropoff. They have a shredding day once a month, where people from the community all volunteer. 

So far, they’ve shredded 22,200 pounds, and they are hoping to inspire neighboring islands to do the same.

Marina is passionate about sustainability and works to help ensure our planet stays as our home for a long time. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and not buying single-use plastic. When not writing, she can be found with her nose stuck in a book or trying out new baking recipes.

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