Whether you are a student, business owner, or a mogul in manufacturing, digitalization is the new trend in keeping data immediately accessible. However, did you know that switching to digital over paper can actually improve work efficiency, reduce costs and even help the environment? Read on about the importance of going paperless and the benefits of digitizing your documents.
The Impact of Paper Waste on the Environment
Currently, paper accounts for 26% of total waste in landfills. That statistic becomes more alarming once you realize paper waste is a direct result of deforestation, excessive depletion of water supplies, and unnecessary use of energy. To explain, paper is made of pulp from trees. Approximately 400 tons of paper are produced each year and its manufacture is responsible for 14% of deforestation. The production of paper requires water and energy which can be dramatically reduced by going paperless.
Furthermore, the process of manufacturing paper releases carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide into the air. These are greenhouse gasses that may contribute to global warming and pose many negative impacts on the environment.
The irony here is the one culprit in producing this environmental damage is arguably the easiest factor to eliminate. In other words, going paperless is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. Read on for more reasons to convert to a paperless lifestyle.
The Benefits of Going Paperless
Obviously, going paperless means less waste and reduces the impact of greenhouse gasses emitted into the environment as mentioned earlier. However, there are other perks to going paperless, and here are a few highlights about how paperless can actually be a positive game-changer.
Outside of conserving and preserving nature, going paperless presents a slew of benefits. These advantages include better efficiency, improved organization, reduced costs, easier access to information, and enhanced security. Switching from paper and going to digital documents allows you to have all your data right at your fingertips. Going paperless also means you can easily search PDF document data, retrieve vital statistics, review billing figures, or access other information effortlessly.
Additionally, using paper in the home, office or business can be expensive, so electronically storing information can actually save you money. Lastly, storing digital documents can provide a layer of security that paper can’t provide. With digital documents, vital paperwork such as deeds, wills, and contracts can be password protected as well as kept safe from setbacks such as fire damage or theft.
Tips to Going Paperless
While living 100% without paper might not be a total reality for everybody, there are simple ways you can start to convert to a paperless lifestyle. Read on for tips on how you can live and thrive without paper while also saving money and the environment.
Scrutinize Your Subscriptions: If you have monthly magazine subscriptions or get the newspaper delivered, you can probably get these publications online. In fact, many popular periodicals can be delivered directly to your email inbox, or on your e-reader using Kindle or another reading app.
Go For Paperless Billing: Most utility companies now offer paperless billing. So, instead of getting your invoice in the mail every month, consider opting for an e-bill in your email. Many services offer a discount for consumers who elect to have electronic billing too, so you’re saving money while reducing paper waste.
Get Rid of Junk Mail: Be honest. How much attention do you pay to that 12-page glossy advertisement about the newest gadgets or baubles? The truth is, you can have 90% of your junk mail eliminated from your snail mailbox and have it delivered in your email inbox instead. You never have to miss out on promotions, coupons, or discounts. Simply contact the junk mail distributors and have them remove your address from their circulation. Then sign up for the restaurants, shops, and businesses you love online and get their newest offerings through your email.
If Nothing Else, Opt for Recycling
As mentioned, the goal to eliminate all paper isn’t always ideal. However, every little bit helps, and hopefully these tips on the importance of going paperless will inspire you to reduce waste. If you find yourself in situations that demand paper, that’s okay. Fortunately, there are many recycling programs available all around the world.
Do some research on paper recycling deposit stops or paper repurposing programs in your area. Some recyclers will pick up your waste papers, and there may also be independent drop-off spots where you can take bundles of newspapers or other paper-based refuse which will eventually be recycled.
At the end of the day, any effort helps to reduce waste and lower expenses. In time, you should find that cutting back on paper usage will lead to many benefits in your life. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing you are contributing to the betterment of the environment!
