Can you imagine a day in the office go by without using any paper, at all? It sounds complicated, right? We often justify our dependence on paper by the fact that it is cheap but also renewable, so it is not surprising that most people do not bother to reduce its daily consumption. However, a considerable amount of natural resources and energy are used to produce paper. First, the trees are cut into small pieces, then water and heat are added, and sometimes chemicals are used to separate the fibers. The fibers are then spread over a large surface to join in a specific shape, then squeezed and ultimately woven into the desired shape.
Considering the complexity of this process, it is not surprising that its production is the fourth-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the manufacturing sector. Therefore, this month’s challenge is to reduce the use of paper in your daily life, and below, we bring you five tips to help you take this challenge into reality.
Use electronic documents
Instead of writing down on paper, use your smart devices: a cell phone, a laptop, or a tablet. Each has a variety of applications that will allow you to write notes and optimize your organization. Instead of sending the documents by mail, e-mail them; and replace books, newspapers, and magazines with their electronic versions.
Use a writing board in your office
Writing notes and tasks that are to be done are some of the most common reasons for reaching out to paper and pen everyday. The ideal substitute for paper is a writing board, which allows recording all essential things. At the same time, it can be beneficial for every brainstorming session.
Replace paper napkins with linen ones
If you pay attention, you will surely notice how many paper napkins or wipes are used daily — replacing them with linen to reduce the amount of paper consumed. At the same time, colorful linen napkins will brighten your daily meal, making every meal more exciting and attractive.
Use the other side of the paper
Using only one side of the paper is a habit that most people unknowingly adhere to. You can use the other side for notes or drafts, as well as to-do lists. When printing documents, use print on both sides as possible, as this will significantly reduce the amount of paper consumed.
Online bill payment
Paying online, in addition to reducing paper consumption, will be an additional relief as you will no longer have to waste time waiting in line. Most banks offer the option of sending online statements of account, so using online reports can further reduce paper consumption.