Using (Or Reusing) Paper Better

Simple changes may be implemented that will have substantial effects on the amount of paper disposed of. Below is a short list of examples. Implement the ones that may benefit your office as soon as possible.

  • Produce only two-sided documents and copies to cut consumption of paper.
  • Try reducing the size of copies, change font type or font size so that two pages can fit on one page.
  • Develop a multipurpose business form eliminating the use of duplicate forms and forms for individual tasks.
  • Collect paper that has been used on one side and reuse it within the workplace for fax messages and cover pages, drafts of documents and for notepads. To avoid confusion, X-out the old side.
  • Use letter and memo formats that maximize the use of space on the page, narrow margins are an example as less white space under the letterhead.
  • Purchase lighter weight paper 18 pound rather than 20 pound for stationary, paper faxes and copiers.

Electronic paper

Modern day computing has allowed office managers to reduce its reliance on paper or at least has presented us with the tools to reduce our reliance. Be sure to implement the list below, if appropriate to your office.

  • Use electronic mail for notes and memos
  • Rather than printing copies of a memo for each employee, circulate them through the means of a bulletin board or company intranet.
  • A company bulletin board is a great place to post those important memos needing to be circulated to everyone such as, kudos, announcements and employment opportunities.
  • Edit documents on your computer screen, rather than printing a copy.
  • Send review and final copies through email.
  • Don’t print your email unless necessary. View them, keeping them on your computer.
  • Use voice messaging and voice mail to cut down on paper messages.
  • Review magazine, newsletter subscriptions and circulation lists to ensure that they are accurate and still appropriate. Share copies rather than subscribing several times. Set up a library and reading room. Keep magazines and newsletters there. If a publication is available online (by email or on the World Wide Web) subscribe or read it electronically

Other paper-related ideas

  • Reuse manila file folders
  • Reuse interoffice mail envelopes until they are worn out. Print blank name and address sheets and paste them over the used up name and address spaces on the old envelope.

Buying and Using Green Office Supplies

If recycling and waste reduction is to work, we need to purchase greater percentage of products made of reusable, recyclable and recycled materials. Many manufacturers of office supplies are beginning to react to the demands placed on them by their clients.

  • Buy reusable and durable supplies, such as rechargeable batteries, ink pens that using refills, and mechanical pencils or pencils made from recycled materials.
  • Look for products like paper, envelopes, file folders, writing pads, paper clips (plastic or metal) plastic covered notebooks, etc with the maximum amount of post consumer recycled content available.
  • Let vendors know you want affordable supplies that contain a significant amount of post consumer recycled content, then shop around until you find them.
  • Send used laser printer toner cartridges to be recycled. Then buy and use recycled laser toner cartridges.
  • Buy products with the least amount of wasteful packaging: bulk coffee, rather than individually portioned packages, or bulk paper clips.
  • Erase or reformat used computer diskettes.

Being Green at Breaks and at Lunch

Even lunchrooms offer opportunities to implement the 3 Rs.

  • Buy paper towels, napkins and other lunchroom supplies containing recycled materials.
  • Buy foods (ketchup, mustard, butter, margarine, cereals, grains, flour, cooking oils, etc) in bulk when appropriate.
  • Use reusable cloth or steel coffee filters in workplace coffee makers. If that is not possible, use filters that are made from unbleached paper.
  • Use a personal mug or coffee at your desk. Keep additional mugs available for visitors.
  • Take your coffee mug with you to the lunchroom.
  • Recycle glass, cans newspapers and corrugated cardboard.
  • Supply marked, color coded bins for recyclable waste and place them strategically throughout the workplace.

Greening the Outdoors

You can “green” your office’s outdoor areas as well. .

  • Use reclaimed water, for more information call the Public Works Department at (727) 363-9243.
  • Design landscaping to use less water, fewer pesticides and lower amounts of fertilizer.
  • Landscape with native plants adapted to our environment.
  • Don’t waste rain. Design your property so that runoff from roofs and pavement flow into landscaped areas.
  • Use porous pavement to reduce the amount of stormwater washing into storm drains.
  • Water only when necessary and not on a predetermined schedule or automatically.
  • Don’t water when its raining.
  • Mulch, it conserves water, enriches the soil, reduces to growth of weeds and protects against erosion.

Energy

  • Contact Progress Energy for suggestions and programs available to assist you in reducing energy use.
  • Trees on the south and west sides of the building should shade roof areas and windows.
  • Awnings over windows will keep the sun from overheating rooms in the summer.
  • By removing them in the winter you will gain some free heat. Shades and blinds can serve the same purpose.