Slash your paper waste

February 7, 2023

You may already recycle your newspapers and office paper, but how many of these additional ways do you use to reduce or eliminate paper waste?

Reduce

  • Go digital: Ask that bills be emailed to you and subscribe to electronic versions of your favorite publications. Use email instead of printing memos, store recipes with online programs or apps instead of printing them, and use your smartphone for your calendar, grocery, and to-do lists.
  • Eliminate junk mail: Call to have your name removed from catalog and other mailing lists. Check out Eco-cycle’s website for a list of ways to stop junk mail from clogging up your mailbox.
  • Invest in durables: Instead of disposable paper goods, use cloth napkins, cloth kitchen rags, ceramic mugs, and reusable plates.
  • Double up: Make copies on both sides of the paper.

Reuse

  • Wrap it up: Repurpose newsprint or old maps as wrapping paper and reuse gift bags that are still in good shape.
  • Remember the reverse: Use the back side of single-sided copies and envelopes as scrap paper.
  • Buy recycled: Purchase recycled-content copier paper and notebooks. Don’t forget to look for toilet tissue and paper towels with post-consumer recycled content, too.
  • Re-read: Check out library books or buy used books instead of buying new ones.

Recycle

  • Capture it all: Make sure you are recycling all of your corrugated cardboard, paperboard, office paper, magazines, and junk mail.
  • Add a bin: Place recycling bins strategically in your home and workplace where you make the most paper waste. A container in the bathroom can collect tubes from empty toilet paper rolls and old magazines. A bin next to the kitchen trash can is convenient for depositing cereal boxes and junk mail. Make sure the bin is clearly marked so everyone uses it properly.
  • Spread the word: Tell your workplace, neighbors, place of worship, kids’ school, and local businesses about recycling opportunities in your area.

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