Less Paper, Please

Lately, I have been helping several clients dig through files and piles of paper. The amount of paper that we are digging through and getting rid of (recycling and shredding) is mind-boggling. And what’s worse is that in many cases, it continues to come through the door on a daily basis…and no, it’s not really the mailman’s fault…a perfect use for ‘don’t shoot the messenger.’

Managing all of this paper is less than fun and definitely less than green. The good news is, there are things you can do to reduce the flow of new paper coming in the door, which will not only save trees, but also your time and sanity!

Just Say ‘No’ to Junk Mail – Most of us get mail we did not ask for and do not want. While it may seem overwhelming, tackling this issue at the root is much more effective and green than continuing to throw it in the recycling bin or shredder as it comes in. Fortunately, several groups have put together resources to help you tackle junk mail. Here are a few that I’ve found, and I’m sure there are many others:

‘Do it yourself' kits/instructions for removing yourself from major junk mail lists and reducing your junk mail overall (I have not used but they all have similar info and easy-to-follow instructions):

http://www.catalogchoice.org/

http://stopjunkmail.org/resident.htm

http://www.donotmail.org/form.php?id=50

http://www.ecocycle.org/junkmail/index.cfm

This service charges a fee - I have used this and have definitely seen a reduction overall in my mail:
http://precycle.tonic.com/

Go Paperless – Another very effective tactic is to ‘go paperless’ (i.e. stop getting paper statements) for some or all of your accounts. If you have been reluctant to do this for fear of not having access to your information, missing a payment or simply losing track of your accounts, there are on-line solutions for account access and management.

You can check with your account institutions about access to old information if/when you need it. Newer information is easily accessible via secure online access (which you may already have even if you haven’t gone paperless). Personally, I prevent missed bills by enrolling in the auto-pay options for recurring bills. Email notifications when monthly on-line statements are ready prompt me to log-in to make sure all is well. We also use a money management software that downloads transactions – I check this on a weekly basis, so I feel pretty aware of what’s going on with my accounts.

Stop Subscribing to Magazines You Don’t Have Time to Read – Enough said…you will save money, time, and the guilt of recycling without reading (in addition to trees).

Regular Weeding - While those are the biggest things you can do to reduce paper flow into your home, regular weeding of your files is also an important part of the equation. This has several benefits including keeping you aware of what you have and where it is and making sure there is room to file new items that you do need to keep. If your files could use some purging, take a look at The Container Store’s record keeping guidelines (it’s best to check with your accountant for financial paperwork).

Be Selective – Last but not least, I always remind clients that every new account they have is something they will have to manage, paperless or not. Whenever possible, keep it simple by minimizing the number of bank, credit, store, and rewards accounts. This is not to say you shouldn’t sign up for things that make sense for you, just think before you act and you’ll save yourself unnecessary work and paper!

Green(er) Moving

Let’s face it, moving is a lot of work and often generates a lot of waste – from unwanted items you leave behind, to packing materials, to new things for the new place and all the shopping bags and packaging that come with them. But there are simple things you can do cut down your moving footprint. Here are some steps to greener moving.

Plan ahead and make time to purge and de-clutter before you pack. This will allow you time to donate, sell, or give away items you don’t want to take with you so they don’t end up in the trash out of desperation on moving day.

Make use of used packing materials. First, if you still have the boxes/packing materials for some of your belongings (i.e. your precious flat screen), go ahead and use them! For everything else, you can get used moving boxes, either from a moving company, through on-line listings (i.e. Craigs List) or even from a store at reduced or no cost.

Get creative when packing. While you don’t want to skimp on packing materials and safety for some items (i.e. your dishes and glassware), other items can be nested to maximize space or used as packing containers themselves (think laundry baskets, drawers, suit cases, etc) – depending on how your things are travelling. You can also use older towels and bedding to protect items instead of packing material.

When you get to your new place, there are inevitably new furnishings you’ll want to get to fit the space and your needs. But before you hit the stores, be sure to check out on-line listings and/or thrift stores. I’ve seen some great furniture at Goodwill stores, especially in areas with high apartment turnover. Not only can you get a great deal, but you are also re-using instead of buying new.

When you hit the stores for supplies for the new place, be sure you grab your re-usable bags. The last thing I want to deal with is a mountain of plastic bags from the first few days of shopping!

Last but not least, put your moving boxes and packing supplies back where you found them! Some moving companies will pick up your used boxes or you can also list them for free on-line so someone else can use them. At the very least, learn the recycling rules at your new place and recycle what you can’t get rid of otherwise.

Summer is a busy season for moving. If that’s on your agenda, try out some of the above tips and add your own in the comments!