8 Ways to Save Paper in the Office
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No matter what kind of office you work in, you can almost guarantee that you have an issue with wasted paper. Even companies that insist on recycling their paper rather than simply throwing it in the bin find that they still use too much, and so it’s important that all businesses look to save paper.
Here are some great ways in which you can reduce your paper use:
1. Doubled sided printing to save paper
When it comes to documents, make sure you print doubled sided. This will save many, many pieces of paper which other people can use when printing off documents and it costs your company less bec to stock up on paper less frequently.
2. No overprinting
Do NOT print off documents that you don’t actually need or you know will go to waste and get thrown in the bin. This is a huge waste of paper which other people could be using.
3. Always proof-read and preview
Make sure you always proofread your work before printing. If you’re planning on printing off a large document and you realise there are spelling mistakes in it, you will need to print it again which would be wasting a lot of paper. You should also always preview your work to make sure it looks exactly how you want it. Printing documents twice because of a mistake is a waste of paper and greatly affects the environment.
4. Store all documents electronically
Store as many documents as you can electronically, this will save printing them off and having them all around the office. It will save a lot of storage space and they’re just as easily accessible as they would be if they’re printed off.
5. Re-using Scrap Paper
There must be plenty of paper around your office which gets thrown away all the time. Think about it, this paper could be reused for scrap! People are always looking for a little bit of paper to write notes on, so why can’t you reuse this paper and give it a purpose?
6. Unsubscribe to Junk Mail
If you’re subscribed to any mailing lists, unsubscribe from them! You don’t really need all those advertisements and magazines you get sent every month. They’re just a waste of paper. They’ll be looked at for two seconds then thrown in the bin. So why waste the paper? Unsubscribe now and save paper!
7. Communicate via Emails
If you communicate with people via email instead of sending them letters, this will save paper. You will also be saving your company a lot of money on purchasing paper and stamps to send the letters. You can also save paper by sending documents to your clients and colleagues using email instead of printing it out and handing it to them. They will still get to read it, whilst saving a lot of paper for your business.
8. Always Recycle
If you haven’t already, get a recycling bin in your office. This should be used by all staff members who have any paper they want to throw away which they can’t reuse. It should then be collected and recycled properly. Paper is a very important part of our world and we cut down trees to make it. Recycling paper is very important as we can make many things from it.
1. Buy reusable napkins and kick the paper towel habit
The kitchen can be one of the most wasteful areas of the house with rubbish bins filling up with food waste, paper towels, napkins, and other disposable single-use items. Save money and avoid waste by buying reusable napkins – they're a little like handkerchiefs for your hands and face, not to mention they look trendy.
Paper towels are also an unnecessary item that adds to wastefulness and our 'throwaway culture'. Consider, instead, using cloth purchased from op shops to wipe up spills. Why not wrap your lunchbox with cloth and take it to work so you always have one handy?
Read more: Simple ways to achieve a zero waste kitchen
2. Donate your old magazines
There are many places that appreciate old magazines, particularly places with a reception or waiting room such as hospitals, dentist offices, or health clinics. Nursing homes and retirement communities and family shelters also might appreciate your magazines as elderly people are often physically limited and look for items to entertain themselves. Kindergartens also often seek old magazines for craft activities, as well as your local library. But be sure to call ahead before you donate anything as some places might not be needing them when you call.
3. Wrap gifts creatively
The rustic look is in! Try using old newspapers to wrap gifts and tie securely with some twine. Otherwise, cloth wrapped gifts – Furoshiki style – are a great option! Purchase cloth from your local op shop, or even buy a tea towel to wrap your gift for a double present!
Check out the below video on how to wrap gifts the Furoshiki way or even learn how to make wrapping paper that grows food!
4. Print on both sides of the paper
Halve your printed paper consumption by setting the default on your printing system to double sided. Scrap paper is also a great option to use when you're printing something unofficial, like university notes and readings.
5. Use a handkerchief instead of tissues
Using too many tissues blows. Keep your hanky handy and discover how often it comes in use! How abearn about just how sustainable your toilet paper is!
6. Stop paper bank statements
out toilet paper? L
Opt to have your bank statements email you. It's easy – either visit your bank's website or give them a quick call. Do you know how environmentally conscious your bank or superannuation fund is? Find out here with our guide to banks that don't support the fossil fuel industry.
7. Use an erasable board for note taking and reminders at home
Pick up a whiteboard or blackboard and keep it close! They're handy for saving paper and not necessarily just for school notes. Write to do lists, take down important information from phone calls, recipes… the list goes on. Better yet, make your own blackboard with scrap wood and some blackboard paint!
8. Say no to junk mail
More than 100 million trees are destroyed each year to make junk mail, and 44% doesn't ever get opened! Saying no to junk mail is easier than you think and is a significant way you can keep paper from going to landfill.
Don't know how? Read our guide on how to stop junk mail.
9. Reuse notebooks until the end and save empty pages
Rather than throwing away empty notebooks at the end of a school year or university semester, tear out the unused pages – easiest with a spiral notebook – and place them in a three ringed binder to create a new notebook!
Read more: Our guide to being a planet friendly student
10. Donate newspaper to local pet shelter
Pet shelters are often desperate for supplies, including old newspapers that can be used for bedding as it doesn't hurt animals' paws. Don't read the newspaper? Animal shelters also appreciate old towels, blankets, and flat sheets.
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