A lot comes to mind when we think about sustainability, especially in the context of architecture, landscape design, interiors, and artwork. While we often envision big, impactful solutions in our professional work, we should also consider how to incorporate sustainability into our everyday lives.
In our free time, we started a small project focused on recycling wasted paper. This initiative allows us to experiment with sustainable practices firsthand and make paper usable again. By taking this simple step, we hope to inspire others to think about sustainability in their daily routines.
The experiment requires tools that are very easy to acquire and can mostly be found at the nearest depot: a blender, wire mesh, a bucket, and a willingness to get our hands wet. Apparently, the process is super simple.
First, we tore all of our wasted paper into small pieces.
Second, using the torn paper, we mixed it in a bucket of water until it became paper porridge.
Third, we spread the paper porridge evenly on the wire mesh to dry.
It takes less than an hour to dry them with our AC blower (we used an outdoor AC unit), and the result is beautifully textured new paper. We can feel the raw texture with our skin. We see an opportunity to use this new paper for things like gift cards, invitation cards, or name cards. Following the successful experiment, we’ve already decided to change all of our business cards to use recycled paper.
The cards contain a plant seed, so when buried, they will grow into a plant. No more wasted, unsustainable traces left on Mother Earth. We are very proud of our experiment and urge everybody else to switch to reusable materials for the sustainability of our planet!