Working from home does pose only one problem that I can think of, and that is how to dispose of all the paper waste that I accumulate? Honestly, I don’t think I am alone here, am I?
I try not to print unless I have to. I’m the type of person that proofs better from print than from a screen, so it’s a bit of a catch 22. I think it has something to do with the power of the red pen that I use to mark the paperwork. I am a visual type of person.
At the moment, I am looking at the pile of papers that is slowly building up in the recycle box under my desk, and that is what prompted me to write this post. I wonder how other home based business operators deal with their paper waste. I think it is important to lessen my footprint on the environment and do my best to do my bit. I am concerned about my impact on our planet and how what I can do to lessen my footprint.
How you can lessen your footprint while working from home.
If the A4 sheet of paper you have printed on one side is still in good condition and by that I mean, not torn, creased or crinkled in any way, I recycle it back through the printer. Now, I do suggest that you check your printer instructions first as some of the cheaper printers may not permit this, and doing so will only result in a paper jam.
So, once you have determined that you can recycle through your printer. Recycle your paper back through to print out drafts for yourself, to-do lists. In fact, anything that is for your eyes only.
Okay, that sound’s feasible, so now you have paper printed on both sides. Here is what you do with it when you have finished scribbling all over it.
I love my shredder; it shreds vertically and horizontally at the same time, so I end up with tiny little pieces of paper. So when I feel I need some timeout, I spend an hour running my used A4 sheets through it, and I then use it on the garden for mulch. I find the process of shredding the paper very therapeutic.
Yes mulch. I use it in certain areas of my garden where there is a lot of vegetation. It is also great for using in the top of outdoor pots, especially if you are growing herbs; it helps to retain moisture. I have also used it in the garden compost and wait for it … cat litter in an emergency.
If you like camping you can use the paper to create fire lighters. Use empty toilet roll holders or cling wrap cylinders (to make logs), seal up one end and then stuff tightly, as tight as you can with your shredded paper, then seal off the other end. Store them in a dry container until you are ready to use them.
I’d love to hear what you do; share your ideas below; what other suggestions do you have for recycling your used paper?
