The Combat Paper Project – Veterans Making Paper from Old Military Uniforms

Normally I only write about stuff that I’ve actually had in my hands and reviewed, but in this case I’m making an exception because I think this is an awesome project and I want to spread the word about it to help get it some well deserved support.  It was brought to my attention kind of accidentally by a friend that must have forgotten that I write a blog about office supplies….including paper.  Anyway, as you can tell from the photo caption above, this is a Kickstarter project where veterans make paper out of old military uniforms.

One Inch Squares of an Old Military Uniform Being Prepared to be Turned into Paper

The general idea is that the old military uniforms are cut up into 1″ x 1″ squares and the fibers are extracted into a pulp that is then made into paper.  The program gives military veterans a safe place to go where they can be with their peers and talk about their experiences while also doing something productive and creative.  The most eyeopening thing that I learned from the Kickstarter write up is that 18 veterans take their own lives daily, and a major contributing factor behind it is the feeling of isolation.  Obviously this project can be a huge help to them in that sense.

You can read plenty more (and see a video) over on the Kickstarter Combat Paper Project Page and there was also a recent newspaper article about the program.  Check it out and if you are able to you should definitely consider supporting this very worthy project.  As of my writing they are VERY close to the project goal, so see what you can do to help push them over…and beyond that goal so they can continue the program and help our vets.  Also, I’ve contributed to the project myself, and when I get the journal I will be sure to share it here with you.

©2016, Brian Greene. All rights reserved.