How to Reduce Paper Waste

Cut your paper waste with some simple tips that make a big impact.

Paper waste is a tremendous problem worldwide. Land fills are clogged with huge amounts of paper that could easily be recycled or reused. Many things, big and small, can be done to reduce paper waste.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• a desire to reduce paper waste
• planning and preparation

1. Get off those junk-mail lists (see Resources).

2. Request not to receive a telephone book, recycle your telephone books, and request that your telephone company uses only recycled paper.

3. Read magazine and newspaper articles online.

4. Avoid excessive packaging at the store by buying in bulk, when feasible.

5. Use cloth napkins and cloth towels instead of paper towels in your kitchen.

6. Reuse gift bags and gift wrap, or use an alternative wrapping like a pretty scarf or a basket instead.

7. Use both sides of paper before recycling it (whether printing or making notes on items like envelopes).

Tips & Warnings

• If we all cut way down on our paper use, and recycled the paper we do use, we could significantly reduce the amount of paper going into the landfills every day.

Resources

• Eco Future
• My Junk Tree
• Green Dimes