Creating A Paperless Future

To work towards a greener future our paper trails need to be eliminated.
Although Al Gore is not known for his fashion sense, he is renowned for setting at least one trend into motion: going green. Since his 2006 documentary about climate change, the world has gone mad for everything earth friendly, from carpet in your home made out of living moss to sweaters knitted from pet hair – yes, these things really do exist. Businesses soon caught on to the trend and adopted their own green ways, taking measures such as outfitting their offices with energy-saving bulbs and banning CEOs from commuting to work in private jets.
Thankfully the technology world was able to join in with this trend, and we have seen the paperless world come within our grasp. Certain companies that are ahead of the curve have been offering emailed receipts for purchases for a while now, while now even some small businesses are using online billing and payment systems to give paper waste a break. However, in an age where the majority of our lives is conducted online and via our smartphones, why are we yet to see a completely paperless world?
Security systems have begun to adopt the idea of a paperless world but – understandably – they are taking it one step at a time. Some airports and airlines have been allowing passengers to present a mobile boarding pass with a QR code in order to pass through security and board a plane, eliminating the need to print a paper copy, since 2008. Apple uses biometric data – your fingerprint – to verify your identity.
However, digitizing security systems in this sense can pose an increased security threat. There have been a considerable number of cyber attacks on biometric passport data since it became available. Although you can change a password for your Gmail or LinkedIn accounts, you will never be able to change your fingerprint. For the world of digital bad guys, acquiring your fingerprint is like getting a permanent password.
Businesses have it a little bit easier. Paperless statements are an easy way for a company to show not only that they care about the environment, but also for them to save money by not having to pay for paper and postage. Banks were the early adopters of paperless statements, followed by utility companies, and now entrepreneurs that give a hoot about Mother Nature can make this part of their company’s DNA.
It is not entirely without risks, as once any piece of information is digitzed and uploaded onto the internet, it is then hackable. Identity theft has become a regular occurrence in the world today, since many consumers allow large companies from whom they purchase often to store their credit card data online. For the hacker with the right tools to breach massive security systems, this is a treasure trove of data to steal.
What are the best ways for a business to go green?
There is a myriad of ways to accomplish this. Don’t stop at paperless statements, but send all your newsletters via email. When you do have to print, make sure it’s on recycled paper or material made from sustainable products. Commit to using eco-friendly cleaning products in your offices and brick-and-mortars. Update your office appliances to modern ones that use less energy, reducing your company’s carbon footprint. Remove personalized bins and switch to a central location for your office’s trash. You could even encourage your employees to work from home or to use public transportation instead of driving to work. And if you really want to get creative with your recycling, opt to pop to your local charity shop instead of a furniture store when outfitting your workspace.
Businesses increasing their environmental awareness have many things to consider, from security risks to eco-safe cleaning products. When done well, it can have a huge impact on not only cost savings but consumer brand value.
If you have any great ideas of your own, post them – electronically for eco-friendliness – in the comments below.