Going paperless, or getting as close as possible, is a crucial part of sustainable living.  Even if you recycle all the paper that you purchase or receive, it is far better to never use the paper in the first place.  The paper industry is the fourth largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and paper makes up 25% of landfill waste.  If the U.S. cut its paper use by just 10%, it would equate to a 1.6 million ton reduction of greenhouse gas emissions per year.  New technology is making it increasingly easier to cut down on paper use both at home and in the office.

Most bills, statements, and other mailed notifications can be converted to online versions.  Simply access your bank, credit card, or utilities website and search for “paperless.”  The instructions are usually very simple, and you will get the notification via email.  If paperless service is not offered, contact the company to suggest that they provide this option.  Also, save all paper that only has printing on one side to use as scratch paper, or to print something for your own use.

In the office, memos and other inter-office communication can be done via email, rather than on paper.  When something needs to be printed, be sure to use both sides of the paper, and encourage other office members to do the same.  Rather than taking notes, making lists, or planning out ideas on paper, use a computer document.

To further cut down on paper use, try doing a “paper audit.”  Make a tally sheet of how you use paper, and mark down every usage for a week.  For example, you could list printing, to-do lists, mail, etc. and note every piece of paper that gets used.  At the end of a week, you should have a much better idea of where your paper is being used the most and thus where the most change needs to be made.