Dung! Yes An Elephant Dung Can Turned Into Paper
Can something as gross as elephant poop really be turned into something as useful as paper? Wait, what? Turns out, this is not only possible. Right now, people are actually making elephant poop paper for its environmental benefits and unique production process. The fact that elephants are one of the few animals on Earth that already produce sources of fiber like grasses can go a long way in settling our environmental conscience. Here is a journey of turning poop to paper.
What is Elephant Poop Paper?
But what, exactly, is elephant poop paper? It’s paper made from the fibers of elephant poop. Elephants are herbivores, and their diet is very fibrous. Much of the fibers from their food is left undigested, and therefore perfect for papermaking. It is one eco-friendly option that is surprisingly elegant and practical.
The Origins of Elephant Poop Paper
The manufacture of elephant dung paper emerged as a novel invention to address two related problems: the need to reduce waste and the economic difficulties involved in protecting elephants and their dwindling habitats. The concept had its birth in Thailand and Sri Lanka, both of which lie in the range of Asian elephants, which, while being venerated, are severely endangered.
How is Elephant Poop Paper Made?
Elephant poop – even the dung of the most majestic creatures on earth – does not sell well simply because it is elephant poop. So how does a pile of unappealing dung turn into a fine, handmade paper? Well, it is actually a multi-step process. Here is the rundown:
Collecting the Poop
So the voyage starts with poop collection. It’s not the most glamorous part of the endeavor, but it works: caretakers or workers snatch fresh faeces (yes, poop) from elephant sanctuaries or their natural habitat.
Cleaning and Boiling
The dung is then left to collect for a few days, before it’s peeled of any dirt or grime, and then boiled to kill bacteria and break down even more fibres, which aids in the drying process, making for a hygienic product to use.
Pulping Process
Dung is then boiled and mixed with water, as a pulp. Present boiling turns solid dung into a fibrous pulp resembling the ingredients of the paper-mass. The fibres of the dung are able to retain water in a mass.
Sheet Formation
This gooey mass is disseminated out in thin layers on a screen. The sheets produced this way are pressed to squeeze out moisture, and ended up as beautiful sheets of paper – each sheet with an inherent texture of its own, distinct from mass-produced machine paper.
Drying and Pressing
Then, the sheets are hung out to dry under the sun, or in a drier. After drying, they are pressed to remove wrinkles and then made available to the market.
Environmental Benefits
Elephant poop paper is one of the best examples you will come across of material that has been up cycled from one waste to a valuable item. Lets examine it’s environmental benefits.
Recycling and Waste Reduction
We reuse elephant dung this way because it would go to waste and contribute to environmental pollution otherwise.
Conservation Efforts
Buying this paper also typically supports conservation projects that benefit these elephants and their habitats.
Economic Impact
Aside from its environmental advantages, this truly new paper plays an important role in revitalizing local economies where elephants roam. It helps to establish a sustainable foundation for economic growth, generating workplaces and income for poor communities, while reducing pressures to cut down forests where elephants thrive.
Creative Uses for Elephant Poop Paper
Other than letter writing, the paper is used in a variety of ways as greeting cards, stationery, art prints and even packaging due to its texture and eco-friendly features.
The Unique Properties of Elephant Poop Paper
Elephant poop paper is roughish and surprisingly soft. It has unique artistic feel. And of course it is ecological presents. Every sheet has its character according to the shape ulterires of natural fibres.
Challenges in Production
The process sounds straightforward but it has proved to be difficult to ensure a consistent quality, or to maintain hygiene, or to scale up. Demand is rising, however, so producers are finding new solutions.
The Global Market for Elephant Poop Paper
Elephant poop paper is making its way into the mainstream, with producers from Thailand, Sri Lanka, and even Kenya. It’s good news for the environment and, increasingly, for the consumers becoming aware of this unique product.
Consumer Perception
As a consumer, you might feel squeamish when the new product is described as paper made from poop. But when your connection is explained – you see people’s environmental values and when you can demonstrate the high quality of the product, and feel like good-looking and safe press – you’re eager to support this highly green product.
Future Prospects
Elephant poop paper looks promising. Increasing awareness of eco-friendly products should help its cause Furthermore, innovations in the production process and marketing will probably make it more popular.
Supporting Elephant Conservation
So, when you purchase elephant poop paper, you are not only receiving a singular product. You are, in fact, supporting ancestral elephants and the cause of conservation. Most of these producers give back a percentage of their proceeds to protect these magnificent, long-lived pachyderms and their ecosystems.
How to Buy Elephant Poop Paper
Ready to try elephant poop paper? Buy it right now at your favorite online retailer or organic shop. Choose the brands that support ethical practices and support conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Elephant poop paper is much more than toilet paper with a novelty value – it is a symbol for how the world can be transformed through the upcycling of ‘waste’. Not only are you reducing waste by purchasing elephant poop paper, you are also supporting a local economy and aiding elephants. The next time you are in the market for paper, go wild with elephant dung!
FAQs
Is elephant poop paper safe to use?
Yes, it is totally washed and disinfected so it is hygienic and good for our daily use etc.
Does it smell like poop?
No, it smells like tea.
What can I use elephant poop paper for?
It’s great for stationery, greeting cards, art projects, and even eco-friendly packaging.
Where can I buy elephant poop paper?
You can find it online or in stores that specialize in eco-friendly products.
How does buying this paper help elephants?
Funding conservation of the species are many of the producers, who give a share of their profits to elephant conservation programmes. In a nutshell, your purchase supports those initiatives directly.
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