As National Day of Unplugging approaches on March 7, the Paper and Packaging Board invites individuals, schools, and workplaces to participate in a simple yet impactful activity: the Papertarian Hour. This initiative encourages people to dedicate one hour daily or weekly to unplugging from screens and engaging in paper-based activities such as journaling, reading, writing letters, or playing card games.
The concept of Papertarianism is rooted in embracing paper products over excessive screen time, promoting a sustainable lifestyle that not only benefits personal well-being but also contributes to environmental conservation. By choosing paper-based activities, individuals can enhance their focus, boost creativity, and improve memory retention – essential skills for overall well-being.
Research highlights the negative impact of excessive screen time on American adults, who spend an average of 7 hours and 3 minutes daily on screens. This digital fatigue has been linked to decreased memory retention, cognitive challenges, and a range of other issues. Conversely, paper-based activities like reading, journaling, and drawing have been shown to improve focus, creativity, and memory retention.
The Paper and Packaging Board also recognizes the importance of addressing educational concerns, such as declining reading skills among American students. By dedicating time to paper-based activities, individuals can contribute to reversing this trend, promoting better literacy and comprehension skills across all age groups.
Mary Anne Hansan, President of the Paper and Packaging Board, emphasizes that taking just one hour away from screens each day can have a lasting positive impact on mental well-being. “By choosing paper over pixels during a Papertarian Hour, you’re giving yourself space to think, create, and recharge—all while engaging with a renewable and sustainable resource.”
Join the movement by swapping one hour of screen time for an offline, paper-based activity, sharing your experiences on social media with #PapertarianHour, remembering to recycle used paper products, and participating in Papertarian Hour activities across social platforms. Visit www.howlifeunfolds.com or follow @HowLifeUnfolds on social media for more information.
Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/04/3036611/0/en/One-Hour-No-Screens-Papertarian-Hour-is-Challenging-Americans-to-Unplug-and-Recharge.html