What YOU can do to reduce paper waste:
Although avoiding printing when possible is the best way to reduce your “paper footprint,” here are some things to keep in mind next time you do print – the Earth will thank you for it!
1. Ensure you print the pages you truly need. You can use print preview to avoid printing unnecessary pages!
2. Reduce the amount of pages to be printed. You can do this by setting the printed default to double-sided, decreasing margins, and reducing font size.
3. Print in black and white when possible. Coloured ink is not only more expensive, but it has a greater environmental impact than simple black and white.
Reducing paper waste is just one way you can help to reach Trust’s Sustainable Development Goals!
How can I reduce my paper use?
Think before you print. Although avoiding printing when possible is the best way to reduce your “paper footprint,” here are some things to keep in mind next time you do print – the Earth will thank you for it!
- Ask yourself if you need to print.
- Ensure you print the pages you truly need. You can use print preview to avoid printing unnecessary pages!
- Avoid unnecessary copies. Do cancel print jobs if you clicked print more times by mistake (ask library staff how to cancel print job)
Use paper more efficiently:
- Default to double-sided.
- Reduce the margins, reduce the font size.
- Print only the pages you need.
- Print in black and white when possible.
- Use fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial, which take up less space.
- Use Print Preview before printing documents.
Use technology:
- Use electronic means to communicate.
- Use on-screen editing features to make changes to draft documents.
- Hold paperless green meetings.
- Write notes and lists on your phone.
- Read books and newspapers online.
- Adopt electronic forms.
- Collaborate with colleagues using a shared network drive