We can, for example, reduce our consumption of paper by using our computers. Many newspapers today can be subscribed to in digital form, on the Internet, eliminating the need for a printed version. Even for busy commuters who use their morning travel time to read the daily news, with today’s modem and computer speeds it is a trivial thing to download the latest edition on the Web within minutes, while brushing one’s teeth before leaving the house in the morning, ready to read on the laptop computer while on the train.
We can also reduce the number of paper bills and statements being mailed by requesting that they be replaced by electronic statements. Many large companies provide this option, particularly banks and credit card companies. These companies use the highest standards of encryption and protection to ensure that your finances are not accessed by others. In fact, it is easier to physically intercept printed statements sent in the mail than it is to hack into your online accounts. The internet is also convenient as moving house should not interrupt your receipt of statements.
Wise use of a credit card helps minimise paperwork, because most credit card statements will clearly show payee names, descriptions and invoice or receipt numbers for bookkeeping or taxation records, and payments can usually be made over the telephone or via the internet or e-mail (e-mail is discouraged for this, though, for security reasons). If you feel uncomfortable with your management of credit card accounts, there are numerous direct debit options for telephone accounts, rental payments, and any one-off payments (such as Australia’s B-Pay telephone/internet payment system). All of these transactions will show on your bank statements. Since printed copies of financial documents are often necessary for tax purposes, it is also possible to request that banks send printed statements only as often as is necessary, such as once a quarter, or that they consolidate electronic statements into concise, printable formats when required.
Paper letters and faxes can be minimised by using computer fax software or e-mail. Signatures, if required, can be scanned into the computer and put on a letter or fax template. Electronic fax templates can have all the formalities of a printed fax: letterhead, footer, and signature – just check with a lawyer to see if such faxes are legally acceptable, if this is important. In most cases now, an e-mail header showing the time and date of transmission is acceptable evidence of correspondence.
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