1) Print less. Store information on your computer or phone. Invest in a portable hard drive to back-up your important files at home.
2) Opt for paperless billing. Request your bills and correspondence by email instead.
3) When buying wood products, look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified. FSC is a third-party council that sets standards for forest products that have been sourced in an environmentally-friendly, socially responsible and economically viable manner.
4) Purchase paper products that use alternative sources in replace of tree pulp such as bamboo which is a sustainable resource. Bamboo and sugarcane are grasses not hardwoods and grow very quickly (reaching maturity in up to 5 years), requiring very little light and water.
5) Always print double-sided at your home or office.
6) Use an e-reader or tablet. Instead of buying paper-back, try using an e-reader or tablet. They are great for travelling too! If you prefer the paper version, borrow from the library, buy used, or organize a book swap in your community, at the office or with friends!
7) Buy an online magazine subscription. Most magazines offer a better yearly online subscription rate than buying the paper version.
8) Send e-cards. E-cards are great and most are free! Paperless Post is one of our favourite e-card companies!
9) Re-use gift bags or give your gift in a re-usable bag.
10) Plant trees. Volunteer to plant trees or donate to tree planting organizations.
11) Invest in reusable food containers. There are lots of great products for packing and storing food. Lunchbots makes stainless steel containers with compartments so your foods don’t get mixed together.
12) Keep a reusable mug for your beverages on hand and use it when you order a beverage instead of a paper one.
13) Drink shade-grown coffee. Look for coffee brands that grow their beans in the shade rather than clear-cut land.
14) Use the hand dryer or let them air dry after you wash them in a public bathroom.
15) Use reusable plates or bamboo (that compost) ones for parties and entertaining instead of paper ones.
16) Use cloth or tree-free napkins instead of ones made from tree pulp.
17) Buy tree-free or recycled paper towels instead of ones made from tree pulp.
18) Use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. Check out your community diaper service company that will pick-up your soiled diapers and replace them with clean ones.
19) Buy used wood furniture instead of brand new. You’ll save trees and save money!
20) Educate your children on tree conservation. Pass along your tree conservation tips to your family, friends and colleagues.
