It has been estimated that recycling, reuse, and composting creates between 6 to 10 times more jobs than incineration and landfills. Yet nearly 4 billion trees are cut down each year for paper. Deforestation not only drives climate change but its most dramatic impact is a loss of habitat for millions of species.

With the latest innovations in technology it is very possible for most office environments to become paperless. This is not always possible with budget constraints, however over time this could be more cost effective not only to resources but also to staff’s time.

For the last two years, I have been using a Microsoft Surface. This device is portable, incredibly versatile, and very powerful. I can carry it with me almost everywhere and have everything I need at the swipe of a finger. More importantly, it removes the need for me to use paper. Ever! This combined with my iPhone allows me to manage every aspect of my business and personal life.

There are many devices available that are becoming more and more affordable. There is so much technology that allows you to draw direct to the screen to mark up documents, sign contracts, and even paint a portrait.

I appreciate that some people enjoy putting pen to paper and the benefits of painting a picture. I’m not suggesting that we never use these tools ever again. I just feel that some small changes in our business and personal lives could make a dramatic change to our environment.

Not only will these changes improve the environment but I genuinely believe they can improve our lives. The speed it takes to compose and send a document on the go, the flexibility of having everything you need at your fingertips, the capability to access the internet and mark up webpages, listen to music or watch a film, paint a picture, play a game, or even edit and publish photos.

Living in a paperless world is the future.

That will scare some people. I challenge you to think about the small differences you can make and the huge impact it could have. Embrace it, don’t be scared of technology. Change is good. Allow it improve your way of life and help the environment on the way!