Jeremy Tauri: You can help save the world

Paper is one of our biggest waste products.

Do you want to help the environment?

If you're keen for your business to do its bit, you may be pleased to discover you can save a bit of cash at the same time.

If you're wondering where to start do what we did and begin with something that you know will make a difference.

We looked at our largest source of waste - paper. Years ago we didn't know just how much we were using until we eyeballed the collection of document destruction bins.

Supplementing our paper use was the number of laser printers around the office. The volume of toner we were using was astounding.

Making the decision to reduce paper was easy, the practical side of it however took some work and some time.

The first thing we had to do was create a culture of a less paper office. Staff buy-in, planning and commitment on all levels was essential.

The second thing we had to do was centralise. We got rid of all the printers and sourced a better multi-function device and software that allowed us to print in colour and produce letterhead.

We then organised a process to back scan the 350,000 plus pieces of paper in our filing room.

The dedicated scanners were $1200 each, and as big as a desktop printer, we were surprised at the small capital cost and space required to get this up and running.

The result of this is we now have access to files current and archived at our fingertips and our paper consumption and costs dropped by a 1/3 year on year since this process began.

Another benefit of looking at how to create a sustainable business practices means that you'll be open to look at other ways to change what you do in your business, we are continuing to do so.