Ideal Bite

Are you still pushing paper?

04.16.2007

Submitted by idealbite on Mon, 04/16/2007 - 1:01am.

The Bite:

Believe it or not, even The Bite still uses paper for certain things (we still aren't ready to part with our toilet paper). But cut down on use when you can, and choose greener paper supplies, from cups to envelopes.

The Benefits:

A shorter paper trail. Offices use 1.5 lbs of paper per person per day - if you gotta use it, go for recycled to reduce your impact.
Premium quality. Most recycled paper products look and perform just as well as their non-recycled counterparts.
Client/staff satisfaction. Recycled options only cost a little more - plus, when your clients and staff see the recycled symbol they'll get all warm and fuzzy.

Personally Speaking:

Jen's passionate about paper recycling to the point that she nearly broke a leg falling down the NYC subway while taking recyclables home from her old workplace, which didn't recycle - but pretended they did.

Wanna Try:

Cups

Ecotainer - biodegradable coffee cups with corn-based (rather than oil-based) lining. Available here (prices vary).
Greenware Cold Drink Cups - also biodegradable and corn-based, but for cold drinks.
Better yet, stock your office kitchen with reusable ceramic mugs.

Copy/Printer Paper

PM Company Receipt Rolls - 100% recycled alternative for receipt calculators ($15/12 rolls).
New Leaf Paper - recycled and high-quality, available with matte, gloss or uncoated finishes (prices vary).
OfficeMax and Staples - even the chain stores sell recycled reams ($5-$6/ream).

Envelopes

ecoenvelopes - easily reusable business reply envelopes, available in 100% PCW stock.

Other

3M Post-It Recycled Paper Notes - everybody needs a sticky little reminder sometimes ($7-$18/12 pads).
File Folders - 100% recycled and letter-sized ($13/100).
Ampad Recycled Hanging File Folders - 100% PCW recycled ($12/25).
Rippedsheets Recycled Labels - recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (prices vary).
Printing For Less - totally affordable light green printer used by The Bite.
Conservatree - an excellent online guide to choosing eco-friendly paper products.

Cocktail Fact

58% of workers admit to taking office supplies for their own personal use.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters switch from 0% to 100% recycled paper at the office, the paper waste avoided in a day will equal the weight of 23 full, 3-drawer file cabinets.

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