Isn’t it somewhat ironic that the IT technology promise of the “no-paper future” actually led to an increase of paper usage and consumption?
The worldwide annual paper and cardboard production has reached 400 million tons, and is projected to increase to 476 million tons in 2032.
Computers made creating multiple copies and prints a whole lot easier than having to type or handwrite. The success of the Internet, allowing online ordering to flourish, created higher need for more packaging cardboard. And how we consume food and drinks has fundamentally changed, think about take-out food and on-the-go beverages.
On top, a sheer endless flood of direct mail, catalogues, and advertisements is hitting our mailboxes daily.
Here are a few tips to help with paper clutter:
(1) Stop the influx. “DMAchoice” and the “National Do Not Mail List” allow you to opt out of many direct mailing and catalogue lists. Additionally, write ‘Refused’ on any remaining junk mail and put it back into your mailbox. Also, sift through your mail immediately, don’t start piling paper anywhere.
(2) Sign up for paper-free document delivery. All your bank, mortgage, utility statements are held online anyways, and it is easy for you to access them anytime, even years back. If you feel better, you can still download them to your computer as back-up.
(3) Seep through the paper you already have. If you think you need to keep a copy, scan it (your phone and a free app will suffice). The few papers you want to keep as original, like birth certificate, titles, any official documents, can go into one binder, which also makes it easier to grab it in case of an emergency.
(Bonus) If you order online, check if the seller offers combining shipments and less-package options. Or try to buy more local, and take a reusable shopping bag with you.