10 Practical Ways to Slash Paper Usage in Your Workplace

In the digital age, where information flows seamlessly across screens, the reliance on paper in the workplace might seem like a habit of the past. However, the allure of the tangible can still find its way into our daily routines. Beyond the environmental impact, there’s a compelling case to be made for curtailing paper usage in your office space.

1. Print double sided (duplex)

Encourage the default setting of duplex printing to reduce paper usage effectively. This simple adjustment can significantly cut down on paper consumption.

2. Electronic Document Management System

Implementing a DMS like Therefore streamlines document handling, making it easy to store, retrieve, and share electronic files, minimising the need for hard copies.

3. Print Management System

Utilise a print management system like uniFLOW or PaperCut that requires user authentication at the printer. This ensures that confidential documents aren’t left unattended and wasted, promoting responsible printing habits.

4. Email Communication

Advocate for digital communication over printed memos. Encourage the use of emails for intra-office communication and dissemination of information, reducing the reliance on paper for routine correspondence.

5. Tablet-Based Notetaking

Equip employees with tablets for note-taking purposes. Apps like OneNote offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper notebooks, promoting a paperless approach to meetings and brainstorming sessions.

6. Digital Signatures

Embrace digital signatures for approvals and document authorisations. This eliminates the need for physical signatures on printed documents, reducing paper usage in approval workflows.

7. Cloud-Based Collaboration

Foster collaboration through cloud-based platforms. Tools like Microsoft 365 allow employees to collaborate on documents in real-time without the need for printing multiple copies.

8. Electronic Forms

Transition from paper-based forms to electronic ones. Platforms like Therefore facilitate the creation and signing of digital forms, reducing the reliance on physical paperwork.

9. Remote Access to Documents

Enable remote access to necessary documents using platforms like SharePoint and OneDrive. This reduces the need for printing documents to carry them home, as employees can securely access files digitally from anywhere.

10. Employee Training and Awareness

Conduct training sessions to raise awareness about the environmental impact of paper usage. Empower employees with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable choices in their daily work routines.

Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash