How to Move to a Paperless World

Filing cabinets are being replaced by digital storage.

A paperless world would reduce everyone's carbon footprint; it also would reduce the overall functioning cost of many businesses, corporations and small companies. Government agencies, public offices and even small, family-owned businesses are slowly moving away from printed materials and instead urging consumers to submit information electronically. Whether you want to reduce your own paper costs or you simply hope to live a greener life, you can speed your move to a paperless world.

Instructions

1. Pay your bills online instead of through the mail. You will save on postage, envelopes and paper. Contact your utility companies and ask to stop receiving paper bills; opt to pay your bills online or over the phone. Medical offices often offer online bill payment; talk to your doctor's receptionist about this service.

2. Send faxes online when possible. Online fax services often are free, although some companies charge a small fee. Even if you need to send something with your signature, you often can use a computer program, such as Microsoft Paint, to sign a document electronically. Businesses often allow customers to send important documents via email rather than mailing a printed copy of a form.

3. Opt for electronic forms when possible for faster processing and to reduce the use of paper. Many offices, including attorneys, doctors and some court systems, feature electronic information submission. If you are offered a paper form, ask if you can fill out the information online instead.

4. File your tax return online. One of the biggest nationwide uses of paper is during tax time, when Americans fill out page after page of financial information. Next year, instead of picking up a printed copy of your tax forms, file your taxes electronically. In addition to saving paper, electronically filed taxes are often processed faster, which means you'll get your tax return more quickly -- especially if you have it deposited electronically.

References

• Street Directory: Internet Fax and a Paperless World
• New Dawn: Vermont Courts Moving to Paperless World
• Federal Computer Week: Government Moves Toward a Paperless World