Here are some simple ways to reduce the amount of paper coming into your home.
1. Pay your bills online. I don’t think there is a company out there who does not accept online payments. Go to the company website and find their payment options, and see how to set up electronic payments. Or, go to your banks website and start paying bills from the bank website electronically to the merchant. This keeps all of your payments in one location, and can be accessed easily.
2. Request electronic statements for bills. Save them in a special folder in your email inbox for access, and stop receiving paper statements.
3. Opt out of junk mail. See post here on how to do this.
4. For the junk mail you do receive, start shredding it, and put it in your homemade compost bin. Just make sure there is no plastic on the envelope or inside the mail.
5. Keep only your most cherished kid projects, and take pictures of the rest. Make a photo book of your child’s artwork through the years without having a large stash of paper. Here are some other great ideas of things to do with kid’s artwork.
6. Start viewing your favorite magazines on an e-reader or take a look at them at the library. If you must have your favorite magazine delivered, share it with someone when you are finished.
7. Stop buying wrapping paper. Save gift bags that are given to you, and reuse them. Find creative ways to wrap gifts using things around your house.
8. Save used envelopes and use them for your grocery list, or for any notes instead of using a notepad.
9. Buy foods in bulk (and use your produce bags) to eliminate buying something in a cardboard box.
10. Delcine the receipt. ATM’s, gas stations, etc. offer an option for receipts. If you do not need it for documentation purposes, say no.
catalog choice also a good resource for unwanted junk mail