Stop Wasting Paper

I recently posted about not wasting staples, instead of the planned post on not wasting paper. 

However, I then got thinking about all the little ways we could reduce our paper usage, so I thought I would share some simple small ideas for reducing paper wastage

Stop getting paper statements - Most banks now offer electronic statements, usually through online banking. I switched to electronic statements awhile ago, and with all the separate accounts and interest free cards I have, I reckon I would have saved a couple trees already. I also called my superannuation funds and made the switch to electronic mailings, which generally means I also get my statement early (Wooo!)

My insurance company sends me a letter every time I call them, so I have started requesting that they do not send me a letter, which they are more than happy to oblige. My new plan is to start calling all the companies that send me mail and see if they can take me off their mailing list as well, I have received about 10 offers for personal loans in the last month!

Stop Using Post it Notes - It's not possible to get rid of all mail, so put the envelopes to good use, use the backs or shopping lists and notes. If throwing out paper at work, use the back (if you were naughty and forgot to print double sided) of unclassified materials as scrap paper, cut the bottom off half pages for the same purpose, or use email!

Invest in a No Junk Mail sign - Unless you are a avid collector of junk mail. I used to love the cheap pizza vouchers, but you can generally subscribe online for e vouchers, so junk mail is now unneccessary! Plus, I am trying very hard to save money and not buy things I don't need (for budget and sustainability reasons), so it helps not receiving temptation in the post.

Get creative with your wrapping paper - Wrapping paper is expensive! and if you are like me, you will generally buy more than you need, especially at Christmas time. If you have kids this is super easy, kids always bring home heaps of 'art', and most people don't have walls big enough to display it all - using their artwork as gift wrap is an excellent personal touch! Otherwise newspaper (particularly for birthdays and special occasions - if possible, use the paper from the special date and it looks like thoughtful recycling, or pick the section that fits, cooking section for chefs and baking lovers, sports section for sports nuts etc.), posters, etc. My nana used to be the best at carefully peeling off wrapping paper from her gifts so it was kept nice for her to wrap other gifts! My best wrapping idea (and planned Christmas wrap) - is to purchase some re useable carry bags - its a gift bag and a present in one! and hopefully encourages minimising plastic bag use!

Do you really need that much paper towel? - Paper towel is everywhere and it is wasteful - in my office there are no teatowels, so everybody uses paper towels to do their drying! Argh! I wash mine and leave it on the side of the sink to dry - and invested in kids bowls and cutlery so it would stop going missing! Public restrooms are also bad for it, and I'll bet most people take way more than they need. On this topic, I am definitely going to speak to my work about greening our office - starting with tea towels!

If you have other ideas - please share below !