Paper. It's everywhere! Cluttering up your desk, filling the mailbox... The average American uses about 700 lbs of paper, wood, and other products made from trees -- almost seven trees per person -- every year! Each household throws away 13,000 scraps of paper every year.
Seems overwhelming, right? There are simple, creative ways to reduce your carbon footprint that require minimal effort, but collectively have a massive impact. Here are five easy ways to use less paper every day:
1. Print Less
Digital receipts from online purchases can be saved in a folder on your desktop and printed if needed. If you do need to print something, printing double-sided can help save paper.
2. Clear the Doodle Bugs
A Reusable Whiteboard and markers with bright ink are perfect for kids to color, erase, and repeat. Take a pic of your kiddo holding their masterpiece to save a keepsake of your Picasso-in-training's work without the clutter.
3. Make Napkins Fun
Add a bit of whimsy to your meals! Invest in a collection of pretty, reusable napkins that can be used and reused. Eating Mac & Cheese with an embroidered napkin feels fancy and fun, and it's great for the planet.
4. To-Do it Better
The whole point of an effective to-do list is to organize your thoughts. Reusable To-Do Lists minimize paper build-up and allow you to organize your space too.
5. Junk Mail
Wish you could put a spam filter on paper mail? Take the initiative to opt out of all the mail that ends up in the recycling bin. Download a browser extension instead, like Honey or Rakuten, to peruse the latest and greatest online deals.
Paper clutter isn't good for the earth, and it isn't good for your headspace. By cutting down on the unnecessary paper piles in your life, you're doing yourself and the planet a favor.
