The life of a cardboard box begins in the forest where softwood trees are cut down, stripped of their bark, and turned into wood chips. These wood chips are reduced even further into cellulose fibers in the pulping process. Natural oils are separated by adding fibers with water and creating a slurry. Now the fibers can be pressed and rolled into paper. Every step of the way has a large carbon footprint from burning fossil fuels in transportation, manufacturing, and processing. There is also a large amount of water used and wastewater produced. After using the cardboard box for its intended purpose, it can be recycled and used in the slurry process along with natural fibers. It might also end up in a compost bin or landfill. One ton of cardboard requires 3 tons of wood, which is a good reason to reuse as many times as possible and then recycle. BoxGiver is a great place to give your cardboard boxes away.