Blog

I gave a presentation this week for the Technology Committee at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. The Technology Committee goes beyond discussions about emerging and particular technologies, and also explores how businesses actually use these technologies. It was a great group with much to offer.

My presentation was on Paper Use Reduction. We covered the basics, and that does not start with the high-tech technology bits.  It starts with evaluating your paper waste. You first need to know what you are wasting before you can find ways to reduce that waste.

The steps we discussed were these:  evaluating your paper waste; finding ways to reduce paper use; calculating the savings in dollars, time, and labor; purchasing responsibly; stopping  junk mail; using technology; engaging staff; and tracking success.

All this was good, but as one astute small business owner pointed out, it can be overwhelming. In a larger office with a number of departments it is completely different than for the smaller office with 1 -3 employees. What can the smaller office do to make an impact?

So let’s take a step back. In a smaller office or in a home office, it is still possible to make some changes that will influence your paper usage. Also keep in mind that by reducing paper use you can save money and time.  And, you can create a reduction in the trees, water, electricity, and oil used to manufacture and transport that paper.

Here are some simple Best Practices for the Smaller Business:

• Purchasing
  • Understand how much paper you actually purchase
  • Purchase at least 30% post-consumer recycled content paper
  • Purchase Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper
  • Purchase Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF) certified paper
• Reducing/Reusing/Recycling
  • When producing documents
    • Choose smaller margins
    • Choose smaller fonts
    • Use Track Changes and Print Preview for editing
    • Create documents as electronic forms when possible
  • When receiving/sharing documents
    • Only print when you really need a hard copy
    • Share electronically
    • Adjust View Options to enhance on-screen reading
    • Print on both sides of the page or use second side for drafts or notes
• Tracking & Reporting
  • Especially as a smaller business it makes good sense to track progress
    • Keep track of paper purchases
    • Create a policy (even if it is just for you) that encourages conservation
    • Quantify your efforts and celebrate success

There are some great programs out there that you can align yourself with; or you can create your own goals and metrics. Seek professional help when you need it. And remember to smile and have fun along the way. Life is a journey.