Just about every client we talk with says that paper is one of their biggest challenges. Is it one of yours?
One way you can eliminate paper from your home office (or kitchen counter, entry hall table, etc.) is to
do your banking and bill paying online. There are a number of ways to do your banking and electronic payments online.
- Pay through your bank - many banks provide free banking and bill payment options
- Sign up with those you owe - many companies will offer discounts if you pay them online.
- Choose a company like mycheckfree.com for online bill payment
For a long time, I was uncomfortable paying bills online. I researched the options and now do the majority of my banking online.
It is worth considering when you learn that Working Mother magazine reported "if all Americans viewed and paid their bills online, it would reduce the solid waste in landfills by more than 800,000 tons each year." They received their statistics from the Javelin Strategy and Research company.
Wow! 800,000 tons is a LOT of paper. Imagine the space you could save in your home office.
Print (or color) on both sides of the paper. About 21 million tons of paper are thrown away every year. That is about 175 pounds per person. If you have a printer that prints on both sides, make that your default setting. If you cannot print in duplex (on both sides of the page) then let your kids color on the backs of the pages you no longer need.
What is your experience?
What is your experience with online banking and bill paying. Do you know of any other resources? How do you eliminate paper waste?
