I read an article published by EPA that paper production is the third most energy intensive of all manufacturing industries. To make one sheet of paper, 13 ounces of water (size of a soft drink can) is required, and also over the third of waste is sent to municipal landfills are papers, among other effects, it breaks down and produce gases like methane.
Reducing paper usage will bring the operations cost and it contributes a lot to our environment. For example, during 2007 Bank of America saved $700,000 by advising their employees to use double sided print, lighter weight paper and using online forms.
Some of the tips to conserve our energy, most of them we already know, hope nothing wrong to remind ourselves.
- Try to eliminate or reduce printing on papers.
- If you must print then use double side option.
- Use print preview before you click, adjust margins, reduce font size, paragraph space etc.
- Most of the emails are not required to print, if you print them, just select the important pages, most of the emails will have strings of correspondences.
- Switch off lights and other appliances when not in use.
- Check for leaking water taps, just it may drips, but in long term it may cost you more (stitch in time saves nine).
- Try to use natural lighting as much as possible.
- Fill the kettle with the water you want rather than filling it full.
Another brilliant post..you know Suffix,i am too preparing a post on this Think Green Topic.The tips you gave here are very good ,specially the one printing on both side of the paper.I noticed very thick bundle of newspapers and catalouges,brouchers coming in mail ,which no one bothers to open..they straight away are thrown to the dustbin.Wish something was done here too.
The story of BOA saving 7000,000$ is very inspiring and look at the paper use they reduced.