#paper reduction

[ianimrich]

The Federal Reserve and Treasury Department announced on Monday, June 8, 2015 the renewal of a recordkeeping requirement intended to show that payment systems are implementing policies ...

[innovativegreenliving]

Simple ways to reduce your household paper consumption

People have been making some kind of paper to record our thoughts and histories for centuries (papermaking has been traced back to China around 105CE). We’ve had a long time to develop our relationship with the convenience of paper, but it’s time to break up with our paper habit, which is harming our environment, and switch to post-consumer recycled paper and paperless alternatives, while reducing overall consumption.

1. Recycle

When it comes to recycled paper, labels are important. Look for products that say “post-consumer recycled paper.”

Thirty to forty percent of municipal waste is paper that could have been recycled or composted (if soiled). Recycling starts with you, so start separating your paper into the recycling bin instead of letting it end up in the garbage.

For those times you can’t live without, get post-consumer recycled paper versions of office paper, notebooks, facial tissue, bathroom tissue, paper towels, and napkins.

2. Reuse

Turn used paper into scrap paper for making to-do lists and grocery lists to get one more use out of that paper before it recycled.

Use both sides.

Donate old books and magazines.

Reuse wrapping paper and tissue paper. Reuse newspaper to wrap gifts, too.

Shred used paper to make packing material or in your cat’s litter box.

3. Reduce

Use paperless alternatives such as cloth napkins, hankies, and reusable bags.

Get your coffee in a reusable ceramic mug. In 2010, 9.4 million trees were cut down to make disposable coffee cups that aren’t even recyclable.

Use fewer gift wrapping materials. 

Go paperless with online banking and E-Filing and only print what’s absolutely necessary (just remember to back up your computer!).

Get your magazines and newspaper in digital form.

Use online calendars and datebooks.

Buy products with less paper packaging. From cereal boxes to laptop computers, paper and plastic is used to package everything. Buy less and buy in bulk, if feasible.

Stop junk mail. You can either do it yourself or find a service to do it for you.

Do you know some more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle your household’s paper? Tell us.