Reduce Paper Consumption to Reduce Impact and Save Money

The problem with many “green” solutions to helping the planet and reducing one’s carbon footprint is the fact they are unattainable, expensive, impractical and in some cases, elitist.

Well.

Now I have got that off my chest, maybe its time to focus on what we as individuals can do rather than what we can’t do.

We can reduce paper use. It doesn’t take an expensive initial output or proximity to a renewable energy source. It doesn’t actually cost anything except a little forethought.

Despite all our technological advances, we are still addicted to using tree parts for hundreds of different everyday items. Trees provide us with the life sustaining oxygen we need, help counteract the effects of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and of course, are one of the most beautiful things in the natural landscape. Reducing paper consumption save trees, saves energy, reduces the burden on landfills and perhaps most personally satisfying, saves money.

Use both sides of the paper. If you already have the paper, it is best to use it wisely whether at home or in the office. Many of us have gotten into the habit, because of digital printing perhaps or old school etiquette, of only using one side of the paper. But two sided copies is a simple button push on the copy machine. And if the computer printer only prints on one side? Put it back in to print on the other side or put a line through old news on one side and print new information on the other side. If you do this every time, by the end of the year you will have reduced the amount of paper you use for printing by 50 percent.

Greeting cards are a nice thought but they don’t have to be a one time expense. Take old card and cut out the pictures on the front for next year’s gift tags. Use the plain backs for desk notes. Even better, send e cards online. Charities often send out packs of greeting cards to past donors along with useful address labels. These cards should not be dismissed because they were “free,” in fact, going out and buying a card when you have one at home is a double whammy for the planet and your carbon footprint.

A big paper waster is the monthly bills sent out by utility companies, credit card companies and banks. Not to mention the numerous fliers, mailers, catalogs and magazines we receive on a weekly basis. How many of us actually read or utilize these mailers? Do we really need to have our bill printed out for us? Save a stamp by paying bills online where available and reduce your paper consumption at the same time. Put an end to wasteful; commercial mailers by contacting companies (by e-mail of course) and asking to be removed from mailing lists.

Registering your name with the Direct Marketing Association puts an end to a lot of the junk mail by filling out your name and address. I just filled out the form it took 30 seconds. I know that in six months, I’ll have to put in my address again. But really, 30 seconds every six months to put a stop to pointless destruction of trees to send me mail I don’t read about products I will never buy? Seems worth it to me.

Reducing my impact without spending money. That’s the kind of eco warrior I can afford to be.