Go paperless if you can! Girl Friday loves trees…well really, who doesn’t? So think before you print: could this be read or stored online instead? Can you email it or post it on-line rather than putting it in an envelope (more paper!) and paying for a stamp (more money!)? Here’s an idea: start an electronic newsletter!! Send me an email and ask me how: info@e-girlfriday.com
Leave a smaller footprint when you do print on paper: Did you know that the average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year? Me neither!! WOW!
So why not be a smart cookie and make it a habit to print on both sides or use the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap paper, or drafts. I keep an empty file folder box under my desk, and recycle all 8 x 11″ paper (first I draw a line through the printed side). Then, when I need to print drafts for myself, I load the paper in the printer tray, printed side down, and print on the blank side! Nifty! And if you can, avoid color printing and print in draft mode whenever feasible.
Recycle toner and ink cartridges and buy remanufactured ones. According to Office Depot, each remanufactured toner cartridge “keeps approximately 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills…and conserves about a half gallon of oil.” Gosh, I did NOT even know that!
When you receive unwanted catalogs, newsletters, magazines, or junk mail, request to be removed from the mailing list before you recycle the item. Use the Direct Marketing Association’s request form to remove yourself from their mailing list. The list is updated quarterly so it may take a while for you to see results.
Recycle everything you can!
Make it a habit…Just about any kind of paper you would encounter in an office, including fax paper, envelopes, and junk mail, can be recycled. So can your old cell phone, PDA, or pager.
