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To prepare for a meeting tomorrow, I just printed off 100 pages of documents. I didn't want to. If there were any way that I felt I could complete my assignment without printing out all those pages,I would have. I typically don't print out email attachments but in this case the amount of information is so extensive that I thought trying to make notations on these documents would take more time.
I did stop at the 217 page PDF the client sent for my review. I still haven't figured out how I'm going to read that document because the PDF is sideways and I can't figure out how to turn it around so I could read it on my computer.
I'm sure it's easy and there is probably a video on YouTube that I can check out later,I just didn't want to deal with that right this minute.
I hate paper in my office. It has a lot to do with my decision several years ago to stop pretending that I have a filing system. The reason I don't have a filing system is I can't stick to a consistent filing hierarchy. One day I might think a document should go under research while on another day I might create a file called "Product Info." As a result, I had to constantly go through all files because nothing was ever where I thought it would be anyway.
I personally have found it much easier to create a filing system on my computer-- not that I don't have inconsistent folders but thanks to the search feature, I can usually find the document I need regardless of which folder I have decided it belongs.
Still, anyone who has seen a picture of my office knows that I am trash can resistant. Always afraid that if I throw something out, I will need it later.
Despite my commitment last week to de-clutter my office, I have not made one step in that direction. No surprise.
Even with the mounds of paper that live on my desk and the floor of my office, it could be a lot worse. I could have newspapers strewn all over the place - I read newspapers online.
I could have even more books scattered around the office. Since Denise gave all of us a heads up about the Kindle application for iPhones and iPod Touches I have become an enthusiastic user and really don't care if I ever buy another paperback or hardcover book.
Experts say an easy way to reduce the paper in your office is to stop using paper coffee cups. Now, when I'm in my office I use a travel mug all day to keep my coffee warm. If I'm in a coffee shop that offers paper or mug, I go for the paper. I like having my coffee mug covered - keeps the coffee warmer for longer. What I am not good at doing is bringing my own travel mug with me.
Another strategy for reducing paper in your office is to use an e-Fax service. I've been doing that for years. Primarily because I don't file and having all my faxes delivered via email allows me to access faxes without searching for them on that problematic desk of mine.
Sonya, at Eco Child's Play has 10 suggestions of ways to create a paperless office.
Stephanie Bryant has an entire blog about a Paperless Home Office
The Paperless Office Solution features a variety of products to make it easier to go paperless.
Elana writes about business culture at FunnyBusiness
