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!