Sustainability is often about small behavioural changes that add up to make a big difference.
While the focus is usually on reducing energy use and emissions, paper consumption is another opportunity to cut waste and use resources more efficiently.
Producing just one sheet of A4 paper can use around five litres of water (around 33 cups of tea), highlighting how reducing paper waste can support wider environmental goals.
Business Stream’s paper reduction strategy
As part of our sustainability journey, we’re exploring how we can reduce the amount of paper we use across our business by 20%. Exploring this has prompted some interesting conversations about where paper is used, why it's used and whether there are more efficient alternatives.
While every organisation is different, reducing unnecessary paper use can help lower costs, improve efficiency and reduce demand for the materials needed to produce it.
How can businesses begin to reduce their paper consumption?
Small changes to how your organisation uses paper can make a big difference.
Try these five practical ways to cut paper consumption:
- Go paperless where possible. Moving billing, statements and customer communications online can reduce paper consumption while also improving accessibility.
- Keep customer data up to date. Accurate records help prevent unnecessary printing, postage and returned mail.
- Review customer journeys. Identify opportunities to replace paper-based processes with simple digital alternatives.
- Reduce repeat waste. Tackle common causes of returned or undelivered mail through better processes and data management.
- Create a digital-first culture. Encourage colleagues to think more before printing and make the most of digital collaboration tools.
Reducing paper use is a small, daily habit that can have huge meaningful impact. By cutting waste, improving efficiency and reducing demand for resources such as water and energy, businesses can make progress towards their wider sustainability goals while delivering operational benefits at the same time.
Why businesses should consider reducing paper use
Reducing paper use is a simple daily habit that can have a huge impact on wider operations. Alongside lowering printing and postage costs, reducing your paper consumption can improve efficiency, reduce waste and support better customer journeys through more convenient digital communications.
Cutting paper waste can be a practical step that delivers both environmental and operational value.