Fact #1: The average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of paper each year.

Fact #2: The United States has less than 5% of the world’s population, but consumes 30% of the world’s paper.

Based on those facts, the U.S. EPA estimates that paper and cardboard account for almost 40% of our garbage. Implementing a workplace plan to recycle and reduce unnecessary paper use can prevent a large portion of that waste. Here are some helpful tips to creating a greener office environment.

• Purchase products with the maximum post-consumer recycled content available
• Print double sided documents
• Use economy print settings on printers and copiers
• Go digital whenever possible. Send any company communications through email only, or post to bulletin board if paper is necessary
• Purchase refillable ink cartridges
• Order office supplies in bulk to reduce packaging
• Buy paper produced by a company with a stated commitment to environmental stewardship
• Purchase and specify post-consumer recycled content papers. This helps expand the recycling market and assure recycling programs stay viable and effective. It also closes the loop by diverting waste from landfills and incinerators.
• Keep your mailing list updated. Evaluate your data, delete duplicates, remove those who have requested to be off, and target your mailings to specific audiences.
• Reuse packing material whenever possible
• Unsubscribe from junk mail sent to the office
• Invest in rechargeable batteries
• Use personal mugs instead of paper cups

When trying to make your office a greener environment, also consider disposing of paper documents through a shredding service. At Mobile record shredders we recycle 100% of the paper we shred and are a great complimentary service to helping your business improve green practices.