Admin's Assistant

Published Monday, February 01, 2010 12:14 AM

 

Tips for reducing your paper usage at the office

 

The world uses about 1 million tons of paper every day and its use is on the rise. Much of this paper is wasteful, unnecessary, and puts huge pressures on the environment. Expanding production and wood harvesting threatens some of the remaining natural forests and the people and wildlife that depend on them.

 

Many businesses and institutions are realizing that they can reduce disposal and paper costs, increase profits and preserve our natural resources by reducing, reusing, and recycling office paper. Not only will your office be considered “green,” but it will also reduce its carbon footprint.

 

Almost all office papers can be recycled. Office papers are typically divided into two grades—high-grade and mixed.

 

High-grade consists of white or off-white paper such as letterhead, tablet paper, copier paper, typing paper, notepad or scratch paper. High-grade paper is particularly “clean” of contaminants and can be easily recycled and ultimately reused. Most carbon paper, glossy paper, heavily inked paper, tape, plastic, cardboard, newsprint and similar items include contaminants which limit its post-consumer abilities.

 

Mixed paper, also known as file stock, is a combination of several grades of paper including some grades that are not acceptable for recycling, plus it has lower value. Mixed paper includes nearly all office paper and may include colored paper, business forms, manila folders, some carbon paper, envelopes with clear plastic windows and adhesive flaps.

 

These simple rules can help reduce our paper usage:

  • Think before you print
  • Use both sides of the paper—duplex printers can do this for you when chosen
  • Avoid printing e-mails. Create an electronic file which includes important correspondence
  • Recycle the paper you use and insist on purchasing recycled paper

 

Most offices can reduce paper usage by at least 20%. Ask your office manager what they’re doing to reduce it and remind them that saving paper isn’t just saving the environment; it can also save the bottom line!

 

What have you done to reduce your paper usage at work?

by tinadh
Filed under: