The importance of record keeping, hard files, and archived documents is one factor that is not changing in today’s modern workplace. Though there has been a huge leap from paper-based documents to electronic documents, the amount of paper used and stored is still high. With all of this paper usage, it can be difficult to stay on track with a company’s sustainable and environmentally friendly practices if it is not meticulously monitored.

The following are some of the best workplace tips for going green in a paper-based workplace.

1. Monitor the Supply Closet

It is not only paper that impacts your environmental footprint, but in fact, there are many supplies that greatly contribute to sustainable efforts. By appointing one or two people in the office to monitor, track, and restock the supply closet, employees will be more likely to use fewer supplies and take fewer trips to the closet.

Not only will this reduce the number of supplies that are unnecessarily thrown out, which affects the sustainable efforts, but it will also cause a cost savings if fewer supplies are used. Assign this task to your office manager, or a trusted employee who is on board with the going-green movement. Less cost and more sustainability are a win-win for the company.

2. Use Recycled Paper

If you are a largely paper-based office, consider buying and using recycled paper. This paper can be used for daily, internal work. The option to use fresh, white paper is still available for external documents but the use of both new and recycled paper will greatly contribute to your environmental footprint.

While using non-recycled paper, consider printing on both sides of the paper, use an eco-friendly printing option if available, and recycle the printer’s ink cartridge. As always, make sure to properly recycle all types of paper used in the workplace. The best way to ensure that all employees are recycling is by placing bins in common or accessible areas. Also, be sure that your paper shredding is properly managed by a professional company, which will improve your business security and confidentiality.

3. Unplug All Electronics

Energy is not only consumed when electronics are powered on, but it is largely consumed when electronics are plugged in. Make it an office policy to power off and unplug all electronics at the end of each workday. This includes computers, printers, lamps, and kitchen appliances. If completely unplugging company electronics, like computers, is not an accessible option, consider investing in a software option that controls energy expenditure when your computers or other electronics are not in use.

4. Eliminate Bathroom Paper Waste

Not only is it important to be aware of the paper used in the workplace, but by reducing the amount of paper used in the bathroom is a great way to go green. By eliminating the use of paper towels, you can significantly reduce the amount of unrecyclable paper used each day. Investing in an eco-friendly hand dryer is a great option for your business as it will help you go green while creating a long-term cost saving.

Going paperless is the best and biggest way to go green, however, if this is not an option for your company, the above tips will make a great impact in the right direction. Some other basic environmentally friendly tips that all offices should include are shut off lights that are not in use, buy and use eco-friendly machines such as printers or scanners, and use glass instead of plastic in the office kitchen. These small changes will greatly help your green efforts. They will also create a healthier and more sustainable office environment for your employees.