The “What do YOU do?” series gives you a glimpse into my life as a messy, creative person and invites you to share your organizing insights and ideas.

Paper.

Despite the development of technological solutions galore (scanning, email, digital books, receipt scanners, ad nauseum), most people use paper as much as ever.

I happen to live in a part of the country where the raw materials for paper-making come from. Seeing clear-cuts makes me sad, but these forests are planted and harvested and replanted. It’s more like an extremely slow agricultural process than pillaging. I’m not sure the salmon would agree, but I’ll stay on topic. ; )

Saving a little paper here and there does help reduce the volume of trees needed, not to mention the energy needed to process it as waste or into recycled products. It also helps your wallet. So I do my part. I’ll bet you do too.

Here’s what I do reduce paper use

• Print infrequently - I print very very little, mostly because I don’t want to find a home for the document created. I can organize if needed, but it’s not high up on the list. : )

• Decline receipts - At the store the cashier will ask, “Would you like a receipt?” If it’s not business-related, I almost always decline. That’s a lot of paper over a lifetime.

• Pay bills online – Instead of ordering books of checks, I pay all my bills on my bank’s website.
• Virtual products – Inspired Home Office has several products and classes that are completely paper-free and use PDFs, audio, and web tools instead.

Here’s what I’m working on

• Hi, I’m Jen and I’m a paper junkie. (“Hiiii, Jennnnn!”) I use paper for taking notes during client sessions. I use paper sticky notes for everything and anything. I have huge sheets of 2′x3′ paper on pads for my weekly planning. I draw on paper when I’m trying to think of ideas. I journal on paper. I sell an info-product that is made from real paper. I get paper bills. I send cards. When it comes to paper, my learning style (tactile) trumps conservation. If I don’t move my body/hands, I can’t retain information as well.
• I try not to feel guilty. Most of the time (as heartless as this may sound), I don’t. But I’d love to hear what you do that saves paper. Maybe I’ll get inspired to do more!

What do YOU do that reduces paper-use?

Your turn! If you’d like, please share what you’re doing that helps you in your business and/or life – and also something that you’re working on/experimenting with.

Your comments on your own process are welcome. Just remember to give advice to me or others only when it’s specifically requested. This makes exploring safe and learning possible for every reader.

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