I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to paper, I like my stuff to look pretty. I am now getting into the habit of printing on the back of things, especially at work. I do recycle every scrap of paper I can find, at home, work or even when we are out. The following article got me to thinking, hope it gets you to thinking, too!
Be a Double-Dipper
Plant it
The average person goes through 1.5 pounds of paper every day. A great way to cut this number down is using both sides of paper and recycling it when done.
“Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees, two barrels of oil (enough to run the average car for 1,260 miles), 4,100 kilowatts of energy (enough power for the average home for six months), 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space and 60 pounds of air pollution,” according to the book, “Trash to Cash.”
Water it
- Set your printer for double-sided printing, take notes on the back of draft documents, use both sides of a Post-it note
- Set up a recycling bin wherever you use paper. This includes your car, work, your garage, your backyard and kitchen
- Rethink the print button! From PDF to online file sharing, there are now more alternatives to printing. Do a double-take before you hit print because every sheet counts
Grow it
- Set up a community recycling paper program at work. Alternate between volunteers to take the paper home for curbside recycling, or find a paper recycling program in your area to come pick it up
- Have a basket nearby for paper scraps. Encourage your fellow employees or housemates to use this paper instead of getting a new sheet for meeting notes or grocery lists
- A zip drive is a great portable device for storing files. These little gifts are inexpensive and easy to use. Sounds like that perfect gift for the person who has everything