Reducing Paper Usage in Offices

Using Both Sides of the Paper – As a special measure you can set all computer defaults to print on both sides. In case the printers do not have this facility, you can do the same by using the even-odd technique.

Reuse the paper – Paper used on one side only or the outdated letter heads can be used for drafts, scratch pads or other purposes. Entirely used papers can be shredded and used as packing material.

Store manuals, policies and other documents online – At times we need certain memorandums or guidelines for reference and the first instinct is to get it Xeroxed from the original.  If they are available online, no need to waste paper on it. Moving from office to e-Office!

Updating information and forms – At times, the archaic formats are used asking for information not required anymore. Updating them can make them concise thus saving paper.

Reduce printing margins – By reducing the margins, reducing fonts and spacing the printable area of the files would increase. Thus, we can save a lot of papers.

Use Print Preview – This way you get to see how it would look after printing and can change a few things you don’t like before printing.

Use efficient fonts like Times New Roman or Arial – these require lesser space than others.

When copying for reference, reduce size to fit two pages of the book or reference material into one page.

Review before printing – Just because of minor spelling mistakes and other errors, we end up printing several drafts. Review it nicely, keep the auto spell-check on and ensure everything has been added before printing the same.

Paper less Meetings – During all the review meetings, a common practice is to make a PowerPoint Presentation but still providing a hardcopy to all the members present. When everyone can see the things on screen, why to print copies? They can be given based on the demand.

Using Thinner Paper – Using a thinner version can make a huge impact on the amount of paper saved. Check the range of thickness available before procuring.

Asking employees to keep a record of their paper footprint for a month. The shocking results are sure to motivate them to save paper.

Think before you print – It’s very impulsive of us to press “Print” button just after completing some work. Just give a moment to think if the print is really required. 

Putting Save Paper Posters across the office. Some of these posters by WWF can be used.