Here’s some advice I need, because I am 57.
90% of papers that are filed are never needed again.
When in doubt, throw it out.
If it’s not necessary to keep it, it’s not necessary to print it.
I do like to “think on paper”, but I can dematerialize more, saving trees, ink, clutter and time.
How about you?
Larry, It took me years to break the habit of filing, it was a comfort thing to me as I felt like I would need that particular paper at some point. What broke me of that habit was every time I looked for a paper filed it took me forever to find it. I sincerely appreciate the CRM’s capabilities of electronically storing those uses to be filed papers. I use a lot of paper to think on, I like that I can always refer back to my properly labeled “think book”….I can’t survive without my written thoughts!
I agree paper is clutter. I do file a lot however on my computer by scanning and filing. I find sometimes I really need that info. My scanner is right next to my computer.
A while back, just for fun, i hung out at the copier for a few hours and watched what all was getting copied. You are right that 90% of what gets copied really shouldn’t be.
Hello from Chicago IL Larry! Today im grateful for my Family.
My business coach taught me the philosophy of touching a file only once. Touch the file, handle it, delegate it, or throw it out. Thank you for the reminder. Today I’m grateful for the internet.
Dr. Paper Saver! “We Fix Uncomfortably Full File Cabinets”
I’m right there with you on this but I have close colleagues that can’t function without their paper. If it makes us more efficient with paper then we should take that route but the endless storing of paper is totally unnecessary. We purchased a high-speed double-sided paper scanner and for job files that “might” be important later, we digitize them. Then we dispose of the paper. I hate clutter.
Evernote is the ultimate tool for going paperless. I highly recommend it.
If you have ever driven the hundreds of miles through the managed forests owned by the paper mills and understand how they work you find that using paper actually saves trees. As we use less paper, the paper mills sell off the beautiful managed forests and in most cases they get deforested for other purposes. Take the time and see how well they they maintain this renewable resource and if you in the area of one, take a drive and enjoy the scenery. Always take the time to do your own research rather than listening to the current narratives on subjects which are usually full of inaccuracies.