I’m against waste and non-productive activities that drain our limited resources. I agree, like killing more trees or printing pages upon pages of documents. If you’ve ever visited my office, you know that I have an enormous amount of paper. Hard copies are usually sent to me. Many of them I don’t use, but I still get a lot. You can believe me that I tried but without success. What happened to the idea of a paperless world?
Since becoming more eco-conscious, I recycle all paper that is recyclable. I have a greater commitment to use less paper and print less. This is mainly for economic reasons.
Paper is used for almost anything. We eat, write, print, and even use it to make a sandwich. What we do with paper is amazing. This article concentrates primarily on printing paper. Paper prices have risen exponentially in line with inflation. According to our records at Monroe County Community College, a box of simple white printing paper which cost $29 in 2019 is now $46.50 – that is a 60% increase prepandemic to now – a hefty inflation. Even this cost increase should motivate us to at least try going paperless.
According to www.stopwaste.org there are many financial and environmental consequences of paper waste: inefficient use of printers and copiers can waste between 1 and 3 percent of annual company revenue!
- Companies spend $6 on handling and distribution for every dollar they spend on copying. Half of the documents that are printed within 24 hours get thrown out.
- A waste of approximately 17% is estimated for all printed materials.
- You can save money by using less paper. It can also reduce the impact on the environment. From all the trees that are harvested for industrial uses, 42% is used to make paper. In most industrialized countries, the pulp/paper industry also uses a lot of water and is a major water polluter.
Why has it not been possible for us to become a paperless society?
According to www.poe.com there are many reasons for people to still use paper. The most common reasons include:
- Convenience: Paper, which is widely available and inexpensive, is an excellent medium for drawing and writing.
- Durability: If stored correctly, paper can last decades or even hundreds of years. Paper is a great way to preserve important records and documents.
- Paper is a tactile material that has a special feel to it. Many people find this comforting and satisfying.
- Accessibility: Some people may not have access to digital devices or are uncomfortable using them. For these individuals, paper documents and printed books can provide a more accessible alternative.
- Sentimentality is a common sentimental attachment to old books, photos, letters, and other paper items.
- While paper is not perfect and has many disadvantages, it has many unique advantages that are valuable to many people.
And old habits die hard!
How can you contribute to a paperless world?
- Send reports and memos via electronic means
- Scanning incoming paperwork is a good idea. Store all documents in centralized networks rather than filing cabinets.
- Change to electronic forms, such as timesheets. Purchase orders. Check requests.
- Print documents on demand rather than storing outdated paper documents such as letterheads and newsletters.
- Fax documents electronically instead of hard copies or by emailing them.
- Do not print e-mails or web pages. Instead, save them to a hard drive.
- Instead of printing only the front of a page, print both sides.
- Duplex mode should be set as the default for all copiers and printers.
- Use paper that has printing on only one side and is blank on the other in a designated “draft” copier, printer, or paper tray.
- Reuse manila envelopes for internal mailings.
- Use outdated letterhead to send internal memos
In a day and age where we have the option of getting electronic receipts, statements, electronic banking and so much more electronically, let’s take advantage of that. We have to keep up with technology. While we might not reach a paperless world, we certainly can achieve a society with less paper.
Kojo Quartey is the president of Monroe County Community College, and an economist. He can be reached at [email protected].