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Easing Off Of Paper
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15-Jan-2009
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We live in a paperless world, right? Despite that being more and more true everyday, there are just more and more reminders everyday of how that simply isn't true. Despite being a technophile myself, I have to admit that I have my own sentimentalities and attachments to pen and paper – where appropriate. Some things, however, really are no longer appropriate. We live in a carbon plentiful world, and every tree not sliced, diced and neatly packaged on a shelf it a great help. So, here's what you can do:
E-mail:
Yeah, seems like a no-brainer; yet despite all the things we use E-mail for, think of how many things we don't use it for. Like to leave yourself post-it notes? Leave yourself an E-mail.
There are many reasons to use E-mail notes instead of paper notes or other useless reminders. Especially when you take into account that Webmail is accessible from anywhere, be it work, home, the hotel, et cetera. It doesn't cost anything, it's very quick, and with the E-mail date stamp – you'll always be up to date on your lists.
Mobile Phone:
Mobile phone's rank up highly here for a lot of reasons. For starters, many of them actually have note applications. You can leave yourself little notes, much in the same way you would while E-mailing yourself. And, there's also the E-mail. Data plans and WiFi networks are plentiful on mobile phones these days, so take advantage of it. I would caution against text messaging yourself notes, though, as texts tend to be expensive (for no good reason), tend to lack date stamps, and too much clutter there is just not worth it.
Another interesting thing you can do is use that lovely photo/video option that so many phones come with as well. This isn't really a new idea, but to this day it still hasn't become a very popular one. Instead of a grocery list, make a grocery album. Delete the photos as you rack in the items. Leave yourself little video messages of what to do. Better yet, leave video messages for other people of what you want them to do. Again, so long as you don't send them (or you send them over bluetooth), there is no added cost.
No More Senseless Mailings:
As stated, some things will always be appropriate for ink. Wedding invitations. Birth announcements. Particularly large notifications such as some anniversaries. Others, however, are not. Having a non-life changing birthday party? Don't send invitations, send E-mails. Don't send greeting cards, send E-cards. The point is, if it's just going to be boring ink, then don't waste ink; and an E-mail is so much less to throw away (let's be considerate to our friends, and the environment).
Drop The Newspapers And Magazines:
There isn't a newspaper or magazine in print today that is worth it's weight in carbon offsets that doesn't also have a Web site. Although many of them charge subscriptions for full-featured online access, it's probably comparable or cheaper than the print versions – and quicker, more convenient, and more eco-friendly.
In summation, there is surprisingly a lot of clutter that can be cut out of our day-to-day lives. Practically everything that should be on a computer, is available on a computer. Just remember – when doing crosswords, it might be better to print out before inking in... |
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