I used to LOVE laminating! I laminated whatever I could. I thought the finished products looked professional and beautiful. I even liked the smell of the laminator when it was hot and ready for use.
In my human journey I have learned a lot about the environmental impact of human created waste and toxins caused by plastic. I have worked diligently to reduce the amount of waste I create. I realized that any paper I laminated could no longer be
recycled or composted. All those carefully laminated displays and posters would eventually wind up in a landfill. Any special projects I sent home with my students would also, eventually end up in a landfill (maybe sooner than I was hoping when I laboriously laminated and and cut out my student's super special projects). I also had to admit to myself that I spent a lot of my time laminating and cutting out laminated projects, time I would never get back. I quit, cold turkey. I still have laminated posters and classroom displays that I use but I don't create any new ones. At the end of the school year, when teachers are cleaning out classrooms, I can't help but notice how many laminated items wind up in the garbage. This strengthens my resolve and, honestly, I don't miss it. If you love laminating, I challenge you to try to cut down on your laminating. I promise it will make a difference.
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