The brilliant benefits of a paper-free business.

Everyone’s recycling. With paper being one of the most easily and obviously recycled items on earth. But does the easy recyclability of paper encourage us to use more than we should in the knowledge that it will be recycled? Or should we in fact stop the cycle of use, rather than relying on recycling as a belated attempt to save the planet?

Australian households and businesses use millions of tonnes of paper every year. Everyone has a responsibility for paper wastage, but as a business owner, your impact is greater. You have the power to create and adapt to paper-free procedures and processes. And, having a paperless business will allow you to be more organised, reduce clutter, grow quicker, increase productivity and save money.

To get your eco-friendly business to thrive without endangering a small rainforest, follow these simple steps:

Organise your online filing

Organisation is the key to a successful business. Finding documents quickly is paramount. Ensure your digital filing system is understandable and up-to-date. Share files with your team using software such as Dropbox or iCloud and eliminate security risks with a reliable back-up system. Then, goodbye to dog-eared documents, bulky filing cabinets and even costly office and storage space.

Utilise your sticky note system

The days of having a myriad of post-it notes attached to every available area of your desk are long gone. Keep all your notes in one place using the sticky note system on your computer. Not only are you saving paper, but they never lose their stickiness and disappear to the never-never. Digital sticky notes are available at the click of a button and make for a more dependable, tidier and eco-friendly reminder system.

Use your phone wallets

Even the most dedicated paperless advocates are inclined to print tickets, coupons or boarding passes to be displayed at a later date. Yet you can be super-organised and entirely paper-free by storing them in the Wallet App on your smart phone. Both Apple and Samsung provide this handy feature, which also prevents loss of documents and less to keep track of on the move.

Online banking and bill paying

If you are not yet acquainted with online banking and billing, now is the time to start. Banks and providers want you to go online, they may even offer an incentive. No more relying on Mr Postie and you can pay your bills securely in a matter of clicks. Electronic bills can be filed for easy access whenever you need them or accessed via the providers website.

Work with your screens

Get yourself (and your staff) kitted-up with the right screens. If you need to view more than one document at a time, consider using an extra screen or have a spare available for staff to use when needed. Carry laptops between meetings to take notes, rather than laboriously writing them out and transferring them to the computer later. Systems such as Evernote are great for streamlining note-taking and meeting minutes.

The electronic signature

Having to sign and return a document is the biggest temptation to print. But. Stop. Right. There. You can electronically sign a Word or PDF document easily using software such as Docusign and Sign Now. Alternatively, ask if a return email confirming acceptance is enough. Not only does this save time, but you have a copy of your electronically signed form or email acceptance should you need to refer to it in the future.

Draw the line in sand (not on the paper)

Don’t be persuaded into printing anything. However much someone may ‘need’ you to. Explain clearly and proudly, that you are a paper-free business and for that reason you will proceed with another method. You are likely to be respected for your decision and may also encourage other businesses to follow your responsible earth-loving lead.

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