Using less paper in the first place means you’ll save money, fewer trees will be cut for paper pulp, less energy and water will be wasted in the manufacturing process, and fewer greenhouse gasses will be produced. Develop a habit of thinking ahead about what you use; it may affect your purchasing needs.

• When printing a document, consider whether you really need the whole document. Instead of printing multiple pages, you may only need one or two.

• If you do need to make printed copies, try to fit either two or four pages on one paper if possible. Then simply cut the stack in half or into quarters on a paper cutter.

• When photocopying, only make the necessary number and copy on both sides whenever possible.

• Use fewer sticky notes by keeping an Outlook or on-line calendar.

• When proofreading a document, try to do it on your computer screen instead of printing a hard copy to mark up. It will save you time, ink/toner, and paper.

• Check to make sure that you and your business only receives copies of newsletters, newspapers, and magazines that are really necessary. Share these periodicals with others. Sign-up for electronic newsletters when possible.

• Instead of copying and sending materials to employees, send them an e-mail or post your message on a common site.

• Purchase items in refillable containers and buy in bulk whenever possible.

• Look for merchandise with little or no packaging when making purchases.

Many items that we would normally throw out can be repaired, upgraded, or reused. This is usually cheaper than buying a new one and saves the space of disposing of the old one. These items include office furniture and equipment, lighting fixtures, electronics, and automotive parts.

• Consider reupholstering, refinishing, or donating old furniture to be used again.

• Have equipment repaired instead of buying new.

Use the blank backs of copies for scratch paper.

• Reuse envelopes, folders and boxes when possible.

• Bring your own plate, silverware and coffee mug to work instead of using disposable ones. With a little soap and water, you’ll be good to go for next time!

• When buying a new product, take into consideration its potential life span. Will it last a long time, and is it able to be repaired if broken?

• Take the next step and begin purchasing at least 30% post-consumer recycled content paper for your copying needs.
• The following are a few items commonly found around the office that can be recycled.
  • Copy/printer paper
  • Manila/file folders
  • Soda/water bottles and cans
  • Phone books
  • Notepads (with wire removed)
  • Magazines and newspapers

  • Cardboard

• At work, ask your suppliers if they will back haul empty containers, pallets, and cardboard to be reused.

• For a complete list of recyclable materials, please contact your refuse hauler. If your refuse hauler does not provide recycling for a particular material, please contact the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources at 951-486-3200, check your local yellow pages for a recycler, or check out the Waste Guide for recycling options for many different waste streams. Prepare your recyclables according to the directions given by your recycling provider. This will make it easier and less costly for them to continue providing these services.

• Use the information in the Waste Guide to recycle as much as you can!

• For local recyclers in your area, go to the Earth 911 website or call 1-800-CLEAN-UP

• Set up a compost pile to compost lawn and landscaping trimmings.

• See the Business Recycling - Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling page for additional information on recycling and donating organic material.