Americans alone consume about 65 million metric tons of paper and paperboard each year. And while it’d be easy to write that off as junk mail and newspapers that go unrecycled, the reality is that our collective usage extends well beyond that.
From printed receipts that end up in the trash to online purchases shipped in multiple boxes, paper waste has unintentionally become a part of our everyday lives.
Fortunately, there are several small things you can do to reduce your personal use of paper and paper products. As a bonus, some of these minor tweaks can also help further secure your personal and financial information, making them a win for both the environment and your wallet.
It’s important to keep records of your financial activity and accounts. However, the default for many institutions is to send paper copies in the mail, leading to unnecessary paper usage as well as paper clutter for you to manage and organize.
Opting into paperless statements from companies you have accounts with allows you to eliminate this clutter, save paper, and also reduce the likelihood of your personal information being compromised in the mail.
Jotting down notes on scraps of paper is often the most convenient option, but it can lead to personal disorganization (We’re not the only ones who can’t find that sticky note later on, right?) as well as waste.
Consider switching to digital forms of reminders such as an app on your phone. Prefer to physically write something down rather than type it out? Use a dry-erase board that can be wiped clean and used again. Or, if you prefer to keep your notes for future reference, look into a reusable notebook that allows your notes to be scanned into your laptop for safekeeping before you erase them.
Even more than printing and writing paper, containerboard consumption accounts for the majority of paper and paper product usage globally. Not sure what containerboard is? It’s the material that’s used to make corrugated boxes, which you may frequently see your online shopping orders come packaged in.
Though online shopping sure doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, there are ways to cut down on the consumption of paper goods by modifying your online shopping habits.
First, consider combining your orders so that they’re shipped together. That means that rather than placing an order every time you think of something you need, you keep a running list or add items to your cart throughout the week and then submit one larger order all at once. There are some possible financial perks to this as well. Sometimes delaying a purchase can make you realize you didn’t need to make it, reducing unnecessary spending. Other times if you place an item in your cart, but don’t check out, the retailer may send you a coupon or special offer encouraging you to buy (meaning you can save some money in the end).
Next, be intentional in choosing shipping options that encourage companies to preserve paper products. While it can be tempting to say that items should be shipped as they become available (especially if you’re paying a membership fee or a surcharge for expedited shipping), this often results in multiple packages shipping on or around the same date even though all of the items could’ve fit into one box. Check for options to ship all at once or deliver multiple orders on one specific day to cut down on the amount of packaging you receive.
An increasing number of retailers are offering the ability to choose how you’d like your receipt when you’re checking out of brick-and-mortar stores. Seize these small opportunities to cut down on paper you may end up trashing later.
Of course, you’ll want to keep receipts for large or valuable purchases. However, many stores allow you to choose an electronic receipt option, which allows you to file the purchase information away in your inbox or on your computer, possibly making it even easier to locate than a physical copy in the future.
When we asked our members how they cut down on paper waste, many referenced our free bill payer service. This service, available in our online and mobile banking channels, allows you to pay just about any company or person with a few clicks or taps. No need to write a physical check or use an envelope (or stamp!).
Different municipalities accept different materials in their recycling programs. Be sure to familiarize yourself with what you can recycle at home and avoid mixing in items that will “contaminate” the rest of the batch.
Sending paper waste packing will both help the environment and, in some cases, help protect your information. These are just a few examples of ways that making small changes to your daily life can add up to big savings for the environment. There are, of course, many other ways that you can consciously work to make a positive impact on the earth and your wallet throughout the year. To get more tips on going green, check out our resource center.