Paper Saving 101
Posted: 13.02.09 | Created by: Jamie Durie
Jamie's simple tips to save your business money - and save the environment
Like me, I'm sure you're concerned that each year, in Australia alone, we consume millions of trees to make office and writing paper.
Not only does this put needless pressure on the natural environment, but it also hurts the business bottom line. That's why I'm always looking to cut down on our paper use here at the PATIO office.
Good for business and our planet
Paper can impose heavy costs on a business, all the way from purchasing paper stock through to down-the-line costs like printing, copying, postage, storage and disposal.
As an environmentalist, I feel a personal responsibility to help protect our natural heritage and, as a businessperson, I'm always exploring ways to improve efficiencies. Going 'Paper-Less', in other words, using 'Less-Paper' is part of that philosophy. It's not only good for our planet, but it's also good for my business too.
Going 'Paper-Less' is easier than you might think
I'm not suggesting that your office stops using paper altogether - that's simply not feasible for the majority of businesses. I'm talking about reducing your paper use in areas where it's easy to do so. Going 'Paper-Less' doesn't need to be difficult.
Whatever your business, here are some quick and easy things you can do right now to reduce your paper use:
1. Measure your paper use
This helps you to evaluate your efforts in reducing paper use down the track, motivates your people to do better and provides a baseline for improvement.
2. Think before you print
Establish a work culture of responsible printing by asking your people to 'Think before you Print'. Set up a 'No Print' email policy, train staff in managing emails electronically and lead by example.
3. Check and proof before you print
When you just have to print, do simple things such as using spellcheck and 'print preview' to proofread your documents on screen. Hold that print finger until you're sure that your document is error free. And don't forget to set your computer defaults to print double-sided, and two-up if you can.
4. Re-use and recycle
After printing, reuse those single-sided sheets for notes, draft printing and incoming faxes. And recycle, recycle, recycle - keep a recycling bin nearby to all printers/copiers/faxes and desks. Set up a charity fine box for anyone caught putting office paper in a normal bin and get your whole team to choose which charity will benefit!
5. Beware thy paper
Think green when you buy the white stuff. Use FSC certified paper and ensure that it has recycled content. If it's bleached paper, make sure that it's oxygen bleached.
6. Go electronic wherever possible
Here at PATIO, wherever possible we send promotional material like event invitations, company catalogues and annual Christmas cards electronically rather than on paper. Why don't you do the same?
These tips will get you started on your first steps along the road to operating in a 'Paper-Less' way. At the PATIO office, asking my team to use 'Less-Paper' simply makes business sense - and helps the environment at the same time.
Written by Jamie Durie, Director/Principal Designer PATIO
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About Jamie Jamie Durie is a qualified horticulturist and landscape designer who's internationally renowned for his innovative work in the field, and for his environmental advocacy.
Jamie is founder and director of PATIO Landscape Architecture & Design which employs an extensive team of landscape professionals and enjoys tremendous international success. Projects for its large client portfolio range up to $2.4 billion in value and span the globe. PATIO has won over 32 design awards including the 2008 Gold Medal in the Show Gardens category at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
Jamie has taken his ideas and inspiration to tens of millions of people through high rating television programs including Australia's The Outdoor Room and Backyard Blitz, and America's longest running gardening program, The Victory Garden on PBS. He also appears regularly as a guest commentator on The Oprah Winfrey Show. In addition, Jamie has his own successful merchandise line, PATIO by Jamie Durie.
Jamie's passion for the environment
For over a decade Jamie has been Ambassador for National Tree Day - the initiative established by 'Do Something!' founder Jon Dee when he was the head of Planet Ark.
Jamie trained with Al Gore as a Climate Change Presenter and he regularly participates in environmental lectures around the world.
Among his other environmental involvements, Jamie also hosted the Australian Conservation Foundations Spirituality and Sustainability Forum with the Dalai Lama. He is also an ambassador and former board member of the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation, Sydney.
Driven by his long-term commitment to a sustainable future for our natural environment, Jamie has recently joined the 'Do Something!' Paper-Less Alliance as an Ambassador for the program.
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