Test your knowledge

1. The introduction of computers in organizations had the following impact on paper consumption:
1. 40% reduction
2. 20% reduction
3. 20% increase
4. 40% increase


2. Average office work consumes vast quantities of paper:
1. Between 1,500 and 6,000 sheets/year/employee
2. Between 6,000 and 15,000 sheets/year/employee
3. Between 10,500 and 16,000 sheets/year/employee
4. Between 16,000 and 25,000 sheets/year/employee


3. Which of the following actions should I avoid to limit my paper consumption?
1. I read my e-mails without printing them and file them only when necessary
2. I use my system's Highlight or Track Changes functions
3. I print and make my corrections on paper
4. I use the Accès D service or virtual statement to perform my transactions


4. Which of the following actions interferes with the economical printing of paper?
1. I use the Print Preview function before printing
2. I reduce the font size and margins in order to reduce the number of pages to be printed
3. I print only the pages I need instead of the entire document
4. I don't use recycled paper, because I've heard it costs more.


5. Which of the following actions show inappropriate paper management in my activities with other people?
1. When I receive an invitation, I print it out along with the room number confirmation
2. In my e-mails, I suggest to my co-workers that they print only when absolutely necessary
3. I pay attention to the number of documents that need to be produced before a meeting and tell the participants beforehand not to print them
4. I consult the information directly on my laptop during a meeting


6. Which of the following actions increases waste in terms of using colour and energy?
1. I reserve colour printing for external clients only
2. I avoid using dark colours because it makes deinking more difficult during the recycling process
3. I vary the number of colours used in order to create a colourful document
4. I avoid full-bleed printing because it requires more ink and energy


7. Which of the following actions is not consistent with the wise use of fax machines and copiers?
1. I limit the number of cover sheets I use whenever possible
2. I ask that the fax machine be programmed to limit the printing of confirmation receipts
3. I reduce the text within acceptable limits and print double-sided
4. I don't need to be familiar with the special functions of these two machines


8. Which of the following actions interferes with the optimum use of copy centre services?
1. I use the backs of printed sheets to make notepads or call follow-up notebooks
2. I use glue instead of spiral or staple binding
3. I limit big printing orders and ask for additional copies later when necessary
4. I use sheets printed on one side as fax cover sheets


9. Which of the following actions should managers avoid in the context of a "Green Office"?
1. Act as a role model and show leadership in the guidelines and training offered to staff regarding the use of printers, fax machines and copiers
2. Reconsider magazine and newspaper subscriptions and their distribution lists
3. Review paper consumption habits (documents, forms, reports)
4. Distribute a paper copy of the "Guide for a Green Office"


10. Which of the following actions should managers avoid in the context of a "Green Office"?
1. Promote the use of electronic communication without printing, bulletin boards or voicemail
2. Reduce the print run of administrative reports, the distribution of internal paper documents or the use of paper Christmas cards
3. Reduce the filing of e-mails and documents to avoid overloading the servers
4. Review the internal policy for the purchase of equipment and supplies

Answers
1- d 2- c 3- c 4- d 5- a 6- c 7- d 8- b 9- d 10- c

Your score

• 8 to 10 correct answers: Excellent, you're a "Green Office" pro!
• 5 to 7 correct answers: Well done! Keep up the good work!
• 0 to 4 correct answers: Why not take this opportunity to brush up on your "Green" skills.