The cost of using paper
While the cost of paper is relatively inexpensive. The cost of storing, copying, printing, and disposing can add up to 31 times more than the cost of purchasing paper in the first place.
Paper and pulp manufacturing contribute to air, water, and land pollution and are among the top 10 greenhouse gas emitting industries. Crumpled and discarded paper that is thrown in the trash, instead of recycled, could end up in the landfill. Landfills release greenhouse gas, called methane, when waste decomposes.
Trim your paper waste
You don't need to go completely paperless to reduce your paper use. Use these tips to help you save time, money, and resources.
What your business can do
- Create a company-wide policy to reduce paper waste.
- Pre-set copiers and printers to print double-sided.
- Eliminate unnecessary printers. Shared printers between 10 or more colleagues result in three times less print jobs than that of individual printers.
- Password-protect printers and copiers to reduce unnecessary, forgotten or mistaken print jobs.
- Place recycling containers in convenient locations.
- Sign up for a FREE site assessment through the Business Assistance Program. Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's Waste Wise consultants provide technical assistance to improve recycling and waste reduction to Anoka County businesses at no charge to the business.
- Apply for grant funds through Anoka County to improve recycling and waste reduction at your business.
Resources
Paper Calculator (Environmental Paper Network)
The premier tool for measuring the environmental impacts of paper and discovering the best paper choices. Use it to quantify the impacts of your paper usage, and to compare different grades and types of paper with varying amounts of recycled content.
Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency