We’re Out of Paper: The First Step To Greening Your Business
The urgency around artificially induced climate change and increasing greenhouse gas emissions demand environmentally friendly action from stakeholders of all shapes and sizes. Local businesses, which contribute significantly to not just economic activity, but also to larger social and cultural practices that shape the functioning of communities should self-initiate the process of ‘greening of business’ which includes taking several steps to promote sustainability through business operations. The onus of doing so lies upon all of us as substantial change demands collective action.
The process of the greening of business involves diverse steps which start from the fundamental reassessment of all business practices to reduce pollution, wastage, and the carbon footprint by promoting organic products and healthy lifestyles. The supply chain for paper, which is one of the most common items to be used in all businesses, is responsible for detrimental levels of deforestation and pollution. These industries thrive on demand generated from small-scale businesses, government offices, and schools. At one point in time, the paper served as the only economic and convenient method of storing information, which justifies the demand. However, with the usage and prevalence of technology, there are many alternatives to paper usage.
The benefits of switching away from paper extend beyond an improved carbon footprint and decreasing rates of deforestation. Whilst digital modes of communication and information storage are initially more expensive, they tend to be cheaper than paper over the long run. It is also much simpler to store, transfer and communicate information through digital media. Whilst large-scale industries have been quick to adopt this with an aim to increase profits, local businesses tend to be more conservative when it comes to switching from established practices to newer ones.
Local restaurants and cafes can use QR codes to receive orders and send bills instead of paper. Newspapers can also take a greater initiative to nudge readers to switch to their websites. Most importantly local governments should allow and even mandate for paperwork to be done online, a process that tends to create a positive chain reaction. In cases where paper cannot be eliminated, business owners and community leaders should take the initiative of streamlining recycling processes and increasing awareness and access to the same.
