5 Tips For Reducing Paper Waste

We are used to the idea of using paper and pen to put our thoughts, ideas, work and data into words. It’s difficult to imagine functioning in this world without the consumption of paper. Paper has become this essential commodity everywhere without which our lives might get more than a little disorganised. Can you imagine life without newspapers, novels, dictionaries, books, notebooks, assignments and bills that are made out of paper? Obviously, that would be a very different situation and very difficult for most. However, as a matter of fact, we are promoting deforestation every time we use a piece of paper. We, as humans, don’t have any idea about how much paper waste we generate every day. Though it might sound worrisome and an impossible task to undertake, it is actually possible to reduce the waste we generate as a single person. As the saying goes, little drops make a mighty ocean. If many individuals go on to reduce their personal usage of paper, the paper wastage can be reduced significantly. Here are some of the ways in which we can reduce paper waste through our actions and awareness.

• Use less paper at work

We use a lot of paper printing stuff every day at work. Not only this, we use papers in different ways such as using it for taking notes, making error rectifications, taking one side prints, making cash book entries and so on. We can definitely reduce the amount of paper we use every day at work by digitising a lot of things like making e notes, making transactions online, recording things on the computer, taking prints on both sides of paper, etc.

• Reuse Cardboard

Cardboard is strong and can withstand some amount of wear and tear. Instead of just throwing away cardboard materials, reuse them in situations like relocating, transporting, packing and even home decor. You can actually send gifts in used cardboard boxes for no one will notice whether they are used or not.

• Opt for paperless transactions

When we go to banks and use the ATMs and the CDMs, we usually request a balance sheet. Next time, just look at the balance on the screen instead of requesting a paper result. Also, your bills can be in the form of e bills. Opt for receipt/bill the next time through mails when you buy something.

• Consumption of paper towels/tissues.

Tissues and paper towels are used once and often thrown away. There are many alternatives which can be used instead. You also end up spending more to buy more paper towels. Switch to napkins and cloth based towels for long lasting usage and a more sustainable approach.

• Use recycled paper

Recycled paper is more useful and safer for the environment. They are now a little costly due to the slow production. But, you can master the art of recycling paper and make paper products at home and use them instead of just throwing them away.

These are the ways in which you can reduce your paper waste.

References.

1. Davidson, G. (2011). “Waste Management Practices: Literature Review”. Retrieved from https://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Waste%20Management%20Literature%20Review%20Final%20June%202011%20(1.49%20MB).pdf. External link in |publisher=(help);
2. “SavingEnergy Recycling Paper & Glass”. Energy Information Administration. September 2006. Retrieved 20 October 2007.
3. “How is Paper Recycled” (PDF). TAPPI. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 November 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2012.