Paper Reduction Tips

There’s many things we can all do to reduce our paper consumption, be eco-chic, and save some cash!

• ►For printing or copying, purchase paper containing recycled content
• ►Decrease margin, footer and header sizes and don’t use double line spacing if not necessary. This can save up to 50% on paper consumption (and cost).
• ►Print only emails and pages of documents you really need and add a footnote on your email asking receiver to be conscious about the enivoroment before printing. Discourage printing of emails
• ►Practice efficient printing and copying by using the size reduction feature—print two pages of a document or book onto one page- Encourage double-sided printing and set duplex printing as the default on your printer
• ►Use computer fax modems that allow faxing directly from computers without printing
• ►Preview documents before printing to ensure they are laid out correctly
• ►Eliminate fax cover sheets by using "sticky" fax directory notes.
• ►Print directly onto envelopes rather than print labels
• ►Print on previously printed paper, or designate a tray on printers as a “draft” tray.
• ►Reuse envelopes by covering old addresses and postage, and affixing new, or use for inter-office mail
• ►Eliminate unnecessary forms, redesign forms to use less paper, or switch to electronic forms.
• ►Make notepads from paper that has only been printed on one side and reuse office paper as scratch paper.
• ►Print on previously printed paper, or designate a tray on printers as a “draft” tray.
• ►Reuse file folders
• ►Post memos on a central notice board or use email
• ►Ensure your copier is well maintained, to avoid paper wasted due to jams through poorly maintained equipment.
• ►As an alternative to post-it notes, consider using a whyteboard. Use erasable wall calendars that are undated.
• ►Store letterheads electronically rather than have stock printed, so if your letterhead details change, you won’t be stuck with reams of pre-printed pages.
• ►Offer major documents on cd or as PDF files to intended recipients
• ►Use lighter weight graded paper where possible
• ►Keep cardboard shipping boxes you receive for re-use. You can flatten them to save space.
• ►Read newspapers online, or only buy newspapers and magazines when you can use the paper for another purpose after you’re done.
• ►Encourage organizations you’re associated with to post their newsletters on the web and to remove your name from paper-based mailings.
• ►Request online statements when possible (this will save you time and storage space!).
• ►Instead of using paper towels, use rags
• ►When using paper towel, stop and think before you use it as to how much you’ll actually need. I was (and still am sometimes) a paper towel abuser.
• ►Buy resusable coffee filters
• ►Utilize reusable containers instead of paper bags
• ►Send electronic greeting and postcards instead of paper based ones.