Go Paperless and Plant a Tree!

Go Paperless and Plant a Tree!

Most of us will think that we have already reduced the paper usage because we are using our computers for the documentation. But the reality is quite different. We are producing more than 300 million tons of paper every year! The Average Belgian uses the paper equivalent of almost nine 12-metre (40-foot) trees per year. [The Economist]

Why should we reduce paper usage?

• A typical employee loses 30-40% of his time looking for files.
• We will save trees, energy and water consumption.
• More than 70% of today’s businesses would fail within three weeks if they suffered a catastrophic loss of paper-based records due to fire or flood.
• Worldwide consumption of paper has risen by 400% in the last 40 years.
• An estimated 18 million acres of forest are lost each year, equaling a loss of 20 football fields every minute.
• Loss of forests contributes between 12 and 17% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions.
• If the current rate of deforestation continues, it will take less than 100 years to destroy all the rainforests on the earth.
• 1½ cups of water are used to make one sheet of paper.

How to reduce paper usage?

• Do you really need to print that file? Think twice before printing.
• Print on both sides of the paper. With some of the modern printers, you can print eco – multiple pages on one sheet of paper!
• Print only the pages you need.
• Adjust font, spacing and margins to fit more text on the sheet.
• Reuse unwanted paper printed on one side.
• Buy chlorine-free paper with a high percentage of recycled content.
• Consider alternative paper made from hemp, bamboo or organic cotton.
• In the office use electronic communication for reports, bulletins and other.
• Store your documents in electronic archives or cloud storage.
• Send information electronically.
• Think twice about your newspaper and magazine subscription. Most of them have an online version
• Buy a whiteboard for notes, memos or announcements in the office.

Listen to our tips and tricks and become a pro in reducing paper! Save a tree today!

Source: http://www.thepaperlessproject.com/