We all know that recycling paper helps. But the main problem is the consumption of paper.
I have been calling companies who mail me junk mails and promotional pieces to remove my name and address from their mailing list. Especially the credit card companies. Metro has some nice tips about how to go about reducing junk mails.
There are many ways we can help reduce the waste of paper. One being really focusing on using recycled paper for printing. And if a direct mail campaign is necessary, we should narrow down the target audience, that way, not too much printed pieces are tossed into the trash bin.
Jacq Design has started operating in a paperless environment within the company when possible/permitted. We use MyFax when receiving and sending fax documents. It is affordable and user friendly. You reduce not only paper waste, but also reduce the demand of the actual fax machine, hence reduce on production.
We send PDF invoices, price estimates, and proposals to our clients so no mailing is involved. That means, no paper used for printing, no envelopes are needed, no stamps are used and no ink cartridges are used for these items. If client requests us to mail them these documents, there will be a charge for the cost of these materials.
I know turning completely digital/paperless sounds risky. The thought of a hard drive go bad and losing documents that way is scary. Backing up with multiple copies on multiple hard drives is the answer to that.
Another way to help is to recycle. Scientists are working out lots of ways to recycle resources. We need to do our part to put the reusable resources to work.
Products are over packaged today. Packaging makes up over 20.5% of USA waste (2005), that is 263,000 tons. We purchase the products, take them home and the first thing we do is toss the packaging away. Instant waste is created by packaging when the product is purchased, so why put so much material in something that is definitely not going to last.
I have a short list of things we can do to reduce the use/waste of paper. These are helpful tips to keep in mind before you go recycling.
- Use both sides of the paper.
When possible, use double-sided printing or photocopying. - Reuse scrap paper.
Keep the blank side of the paper and make a stack. You now have a nice note/sketch pad. - Reduce the need to make print outs.
If a document is constantly updated, try keeping them on track with electronic versions. - Eliminate excess mailings.
If you must mail. Double check your list to remove old mailing address and ask how often people would like to receive the materials. They will appreciate your efforts to minimize unwanted mails. - Send electronic memos.
Instead of giving print out memos, use emails. People generally check emails more often than mails.
Thank you for reading. More of “The List” is to come.
