Did you know that 50% of wastage in businesses consists of paper? You would agree, wouldn’t you?
Let that sink in for a moment. 50%(!) – Half of all wastes produced in a business – is paper!
Paper accounts for 25% of landfill waste and 32% of municipal waste. We think of plastic as a huge pollutant, but so is paper.
Today, people are becoming more and more conscious and aware of the choices they make and the impact their choices have on our surroundings. People are adopting a greener way of living not only for their own benefit but also for the conservation of the natural habitat.
An eco- friendly lifestyle is not just limited to your home or wedding. Have you considered reducing your environmental footprint at your workplace?
If you’re looking for some inspiration to make a difference, get started with this guide to do your bit.
Here are our top 10 ways to create a sustainable environment and reduce paper wastage in your
- Think before you print
There are tons and tons of documents we print that we don’t even need. All of us have unnecessary documents lying around. So the next time, just before you click the Print button, take a moment and think, Do you actually need that piece of paper to be printed?
There are still countless examples of employees continuing to print documents when it is likely unnecessary: for manual filing, when copies already exist, or for getting a signature. Think email, and DigiLocker solutions, or PDF tools with electronic signature capabilities, please?
- Go digital
Let’s be a little tech-savvy and go digital. It not only saves paper and reduces waste, but also serves as a more secure and protected medium of storing documents. Electronically stored documents can be more guarded as compared to a traditionally locked cupboard. Not convinced yet? Well, it’s easy to store and locate as you don’t have to look through piles and piles as paper filled documents. What’s more is that they take up no space at all.
To go completely paper-free and to ensure that all your document processes are digital, you can also ask that all your clients or suppliers to send documents, bills or invoices in an electronic form.
- Recycle
The best way to reduce paper waste is to recycle it instead of disposing it. It might sound like a difficult task but we completely disagree. Segregate paper from other trash. Shred the paper waste, add water and dry it to make your own, brand new, earthy-like paper.
And besides, recycling 1 ton of paper saves 682 gallons of oil, 26,500 gallons of water and over 17 trees. Surprised, aren’t you?
Pepaa Manufactures Exquisite Products from Upcycled Paper Waste!
Look at Pepaa’s Upcycled Products
- Reuse paper
Most people print on one-side of the paper and throw it away immediately once they don’t need it anymore. However, little do we realise is that one side of the paper is still empty and waiting to be used and written upon. This completely functional side of paper can also used for more printing – or for doodling, sketching or jotting down some important points. The intention – if you see a white space on a paper, try filling it up.
Think of the sq.ft of paper to be as costly as a sq.ft in Mumbai – and you will never waste another inch again. 🙂
- Print on both sides of the paper
Print double sided as much you can. People might cringe at the thought of this but trust us, the earth will definitely thank you for saving paper. You can easily select this action from your printers settings and Voila! Your purpose is fulfilled while fighting paper pollution. Set all your computers, printers, and all other devices to print double-sided by default.
If you are unsure how to set your computer/printer to print on both sides of the paper, read this guide here.
- Reduce Margins, Fonts, Headers and Footers
This can save considerable amounts of paper waste. How many times have we been guilty of huge font sizes, margins the size of Howrah Bridge, and footers and headers that take up more space than the body of the document? A simple click of the Preview button before you hit that Print button can save dozens of paper waste, surely!
- Eliminate the use of paper towels
Believe it or not, a major source of paper pollution in businesses is paper towels and tissues. Generally, people hastily use tissues without paying attention to their quantity of consumption. Replace your paper towels with effective air dryers and water systems. Cloth towels can also be an eco friendly substitute.
- Stop using Paper Plates and Paper Cutlery
Using disposable cutlery at events or even on a daily basis at work can be threatening for the environment. Instead, switch to the basic steel or glass based cutlery. This will save you tons of money as well as garbage. And besides, it would also give your delicious food a very homely vibe. Now who wouldn’t want that?
- Use recycled paper Business cards
This would be an extremely useful tip to taking a sustainable step at work. Use recycled tree-free paper to print your business or visiting cards. It’s great for the environment and would instantly convey your eco friendly ethics to any receiver. Good or good?
Better Yet, What If Your Business Card Can Be Planted and You Can Grow Flowers and Vegetables?
Is That Really Possible? I Want Them!
- Re-check your document before printing
How many times have we realised grammatical errors and spelling mistakes after printing a document? Check a document thoroughly before you actually click on the print option. It will save you many resources like paper, ink, money and time!
Conserving paper in the office is a very important step for the future of the planet. Let’s be eco-conscious and do our bit.Taking a step towards sustainability and making a contribution will not only bolster your corporate image and local reputation, but will also lead to minimization of paper waste on a large scale. Let’s save the paper to save the planet!
What are your ways in which you reduce paper waste in your office? Let us know in the comments below.
