How to Use Less Paper

Photo courtesy: recyclingworksma.com

Every day, we waste millions of pounds of paper. Imagine how many trees we could save if we only recycled all that material! Here are several ways you can start reducing the amount of paper you use and throw away right now!

Save your Paper.

 - Use both sides for printing. 

 - Use the backs of old documents for kids to color on instead of using fresh sheets. 

 - Cut old documents in horizontally and use the backs for scrap paper.

 - Donate your old magazines and newspapers to local hospitals, nursing homes, pre-schools or after-school programs.

 - Share unwanted coupons with your friends and neighbors or donate them to your local food bank or community access organization or try starting a couponing club in your neighborhood. You'll be surprised at how much fun you can have on a dreary afternoon chatting and planning your money-saving shopping trip.

 - If you have internet access at home, try opting to receive bank statements, utility bill statements and other notices via e-mail instead.

Recycle used paper

 - Once you've used a piece of paper as much as you can, place it in the recycle bin. 

 -  Shredded paper can be recycled too, so don't forget to include it in your bin.

 - Keep a recycle bin near your desk or wherever you sort mail. That way, envelopes, junk mail and old statements can be recycled right away.

 - Remember that paper that has been contaminated with food such as food wrappers or paper napkins are not recyclable, so keep those out of the recycle bin so you don't have to sort them out later.

 - Keep another recycle bin in the kitchen to recycle cardboard and packaging. 

 - Know what to recycle. Packaging for frozen/refrigerated foods, hard-cover books, bubble mailers, and paper coated in wax or plastic are not recyclable. If you're unsure about whether an item is recyclable or not, contact your local waste management office.

Reduce Your Junk Mail

Tired of getting piles of junk mail? Here's how to get your name off those lists for good:

1. There are a number of websites available to get your name off junk mail lists. Here are a few good ones:

dmachoice.org  

catalogchoice.org

yellowpagesoptout.com

optoutprescreen.com

2. When filling out applications or contact information on-line, be sure to read every line and un-check boxes that allow companies to contact you with advertisements and special offers. These mailing lists can be shared, bought and sold, so once you sign up for one, you may end up on a number of others as well.

3. Don't sign up for mailing lists as malls, flea-markets and events unless you really do want information being sent to you from that company/organization. Always ask for an email option if one is available. Most companies would be happy to do this as it saves them money in postage as well.

4. You can also contact companies including banks directly and ask them not to send you junk mail, credit card offers, coupons and other solicitations unless you request them. 

5. Be wary of participating in surveys that ask for your address. 

6. You can also place a notice on your mailbox and on your property telling postal workers, salespeople and others that you do not want unsolicited materials being delivered there. 

Get Kids Involved!

Create fun activities using recycled paper for kids and use the time to teach the importance of recycling and conservation. 

A few good sites to get some great ideas are:

spoonful.com 

kinderart.com

babble.com

Until next time,

Be Well!