I choose to extend paper life

We are always going to use paper. It's idealistic to think that we could ever reduce our paper consumption to nil. However, we can extend paper life by recovering it so that it can be reused and recycled. In our "Green Office", paper is recovered different ways:

1. I encourage people to limit the number of documents they print and to use the double-sided print option before resorting to reuse. The best waste is no waste!
   
   
2. I encourage people to save paper used on one side only; it can be used to make notepads and fax cover sheets.
   
   
3. I reuse the backs of internal notices to write messages that promote reduced paper consumption or inform us about environmental issues. I post these messages near copiers, fax machines and shared printers.
   
   
4. I use two-bin waste receptacles to separate recycling from waste material.
   
   
5. I place clearly identified reusable paper bins near offices, copiers, fax machines and in meeting rooms for employees.
   
   
6. I post reminders of the Desjardins Paper Challenge and its issues near copiers and shared printers (using the blank sides of used sheets of paper naturally!).
   
   
7. I reuse folders by labelling them in pencil or by placing a new label on top of the old one.