How Things are Made

Given: Instructions to make recycled paper at home.

Materials needed:
• Old newspapers
• Fenugreek seeds (methi)
• Water
• A grinder or hands for mashing
• A flat base and a rolling pin

Steps:
1. Tear old newspapers into small pieces and soak them in water. Add a small quantity of fenugreek seeds to the water and leave it overnight. (Fenugreek seeds act as a binding material.)
2. Using a grinder, blend the soaked paper and fenugreek seeds into a wet mixture (pulp). You can also mash it with your hands.
3. Spread the paste on a flat base and roll it out into thin sheets.
4. Leave the rolled sheets to dry completely.

Result: Your recycled paper is ready for use!

Given: Pieces of recycled paper of the same size, coloured with equal quantities of natural ingredients.

Concept: Natural dyes are made from different parts of plants (leaf, flower, root, seed, stem) and are safe to use.

Observations table (sample answers):

| Natural ingredient used | Colour and brightness |
|---|---|
| Turmeric | Yellow, dull |
| Spinach | Light green, dull |
| Beetroot | Pink/Red, bright |
| Henna | Orange-brown, dull |

Conclusion: Different natural ingredients give different colours to paper. Some colours are bright (like beetroot) while others are dull (like turmeric and spinach). Natural dyes are safe for use and come from plants.

Given: Recycled paper made from old newspapers and fenugreek seeds.

Example – Making a Greeting Card:
1. Cut the dried recycled paper into a rectangular shape (e.g., 15 cm × 10 cm).
2. Fold it in half to form a card.
3. Use natural colours (turmeric for yellow, beetroot for pink) to paint a design or picture on the front.
4. Write a message inside using a pen or pencil.
5. Decorate with dried flowers or leaves if available.

Result: A beautiful, eco-friendly greeting card made entirely from recycled materials is ready. This is a creative and environment-friendly way to reuse old paper.

Yes, we do waste a lot of paper in our daily lives.

Examples of paper wastage:
• Writing on only one side of a notebook page and throwing it away.
• Using too many paper napkins or tissues.
• Printing documents unnecessarily.
• Throwing away paper bags, wrapping paper, and newspapers after single use.

Conclusion: Since making paper requires cutting many trees and uses a lot of water and energy, wasting paper harms our environment. We must use paper responsibly.

We can reduce wastage of paper in the following ways:

1. Write on both sides of a sheet of paper.
2. Use blank pages of old notebooks instead of buying new ones.
3. Avoid printing unless absolutely necessary; prefer digital documents.
4. Use cloth bags instead of paper bags for shopping.
5. Recycle old newspapers and paper into new handmade paper.
6. Share books and newspapers with others after use.
7. Use a handkerchief instead of paper tissues.

Conclusion: By following these simple steps, we can save trees, water, and energy, and protect our environment.

Given: Different types of paper used in daily life.

Observations:

| Types of Paper | Uses |
|---|---|
| Writing paper | Used in notebooks and books for writing and studying |
| Newspaper | Used for printing daily news; also used for wrapping and packing |
| Art paper | Used for drawing, painting, and craft activities |
| Cardboard | Used for making boxes, book covers, and packaging |
| Tissue paper | Used for cleaning, wiping hands and face, and as napkins |

Conclusion: Different types of paper have different textures and thicknesses, which make them suitable for different purposes. Using the right type of paper for the right purpose helps reduce wastage.

Given: Various situations related to waste management.

Concept: The 5Rs of Waste Management are — Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.

Answers:

(a) A family brings their own cloth bags to the grocery store instead of using plastic ones.
→ Reuse — They are using the same cloth bags again and again instead of taking new plastic bags each time.

(b) Maya does not use a plastic straw to drink coconut water.
→ Refuse — She is refusing to use a plastic straw, thereby avoiding unnecessary waste.

(c) Rohan uses blank pages of his old notebooks to avoid wastage of paper.
→ Reduce — He is reducing the wastage of paper by using what is already available.

(d) Sara gives her old books to younger students for their use.
→ Reuse — The books are being used again by someone else instead of being thrown away.

(e) Kabir paints an old bottle to use as a flower vase.
→ Repurpose — He is using the old bottle in a new and creative way (as a flower vase) instead of discarding it.

(f) Priya cuts old clothes to make a fun bag for carrying her books.
→ Repurpose — She is giving old clothes a new use by turning them into a bag.

(g) A shopkeeper turns old newspapers into paper envelopes.
→ Recycle — The old newspapers are being processed and turned into something new (paper envelopes).

Given: We have learnt how to make recycled paper from paper pulp.

Objects that can be made using paper pulp:
1. Greeting cards
2. Paper masks
3. Paper bowls and trays
4. Decorative pots or vases
5. Bookmarks
6. Photo frames
7. Envelopes
8. Notebooks or notepads
9. Paper bags
10. Wall hangings and decorations

Conclusion: Paper pulp is a very versatile material. By using it creatively, we can make many useful and decorative items while also helping to reduce paper waste.

Given: The 5Rs of Waste Management — Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.

One step for each R:

1. Refuse — I will refuse to take a plastic carry bag when I go shopping and carry my own cloth bag instead.

2. Reduce — I will write on both sides of every sheet of paper to reduce paper wastage.

3. Reuse — I will reuse old glass jars as containers for storing pencils, pens, or small items.

4. Repurpose — I will use old newspapers to make paper bags or decorative items instead of throwing them away.

5. Recycle — I will collect old newspapers and notebooks and use them to make recycled handmade paper.

Conclusion: By following these small steps every day, I can contribute to protecting the environment and reducing waste.

Given: We need to apply the 5Rs rule specifically to avoid wastage of paper.

Ideas for each R:

| 5R | Changes I can make in daily life |
|---|---|
| Refuse | I will refuse to take printed flyers or pamphlets that I do not need. |
| Reduce | I will write on both sides of paper and avoid printing unnecessarily. |
| Reuse | I will use the blank sides of used paper for rough work, drawing, or making lists. |
| Repurpose | I will use old newspapers to make paper bags, origami toys, or gift wrapping. |
| Recycle | I will collect waste paper and use it to make recycled handmade paper for cards and crafts. |

Conclusion: By applying the 5Rs rule to paper use in our daily lives, we can save trees, conserve water and energy, and help protect our environment for future generations.