To set the stage, it is helpful to understand that paper and paper products make up 36% of municipal solid waste. When looking at the life cycle analysis of paper, it is necessary to consider that the largest percentage of what we are shoving into the landfills is paper. This brings us to two solutions on the downstream side of the issue. One is reducing our demand for paper and better ways to recycle rather than throwing paper in the trash.
There are the simple ideas of printing on both sides of the page or buying recycled paper. Some would suggest using the phone instead of mailing a letter. Others want us to increase the margins on our word process. These small changes do add up, but it seems that we are still ignoring the larger, more practical solutions for reducing paper use.
Some upstream concerns of paper manufactures or suppliers begin with the harvesting of trees that are then turned into wood pulp. This process is a topic that is easily research, and the more curious individuals will discover that the chemicals used are not in fact dangerous. The chemical that gives the most problems is chlorine, which is used to bleach paper to the expected white color.
Waste water from pulp and paper factories is again another unreported issue. The waste water is a mixture of various toxic chemicals such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are also commonly found in the making of shoes and the installation of carpets. When considering this, a paper making could not be considered a Green business. The downstream impact of the waste created by paper brings the concerned individual to the unmistakable conclusion is that paper use is a serious environmental issue and one that could be tremendously improved.
Some of the air pollutants released by the paper industry include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxides, carbon monoxide, ammonia, VOCs and particulate matter like ash and dust. All in all, the making of paper could not be considered a Green process. When we consider the downstream impact of the waste created through paper products, the unmistakable conclusion is that paper use is a major environmental issue and one that can be easily improved.
Most of paper reduction strategies involve printing both side of paper, copying less, stopping magazines and junk mail. Some companies are asking their employees to increase the use of email. No one should ignore the importance of using recycled paper in the daily office operation. There are dozens of easy-to-apply ideas. Nevertheless, a very efficient solution seems to have eluded the environmentally-astute organizations like the NRDC. The new solution is the paperless office that works to eliminate paper use in the office.
Paperless solutions include: 1) Document storage and retrieval software, 2) Replacing fax machines with online services that turn faxes into email, 3) Software solutions for accounting, payroll, and billing, 4) Virtual meeting software that can eliminate travel and save time.
The main problem with all of these Green solutions is that they require a ramp up time during installation. These new innovations also can require training of the employees to a new system. The beginning transition is a reality, but the results are enormous. Installing these paperless systems in your business will ultimately reduce paper use, decrease paper waste, and it will speed up the average office. The savings realized are not just in paper costs, but worker costs. Ultimately, fewer workers will actually do more work. Streamlining a business has a number of benefits. One positive response will come from customers who receive fast and correct responses to their exploration.
To gain a Green Business there need be a proven, trust worthy, and authentic certification. There is an enormous amount of greenwashing, green hype, and green lies that Green businesses need be avoid. Green businesses can do this by being qualified through Green Business League, which is a nationally recognized authority. Remember, Green businesses are gained not buy.
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