The environment is an essential issue for businesses and individuals alike. Americans use about 31.5 million tons of paper a year, or around 660 pounds per person. There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and going paperless is one of them. Here are some tips to reduce your company's need for paper and save money, time, and resources in the process:

Develop a Document Management System

The first step in going paperless is to establish a document management system. This structure can help you organize your existing documents and eliminate unnecessary paperwork. Document management systems can be time-consuming to put in place, but they are well worth the effort in the long run.

Google Drive is an excellent way to manage documents electronically. It allows you to easily create and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. You can also access your documents from any device with an internet connection.

You can also use these tools to digitize your financial transactions, including receipts and invoices. This can make it easier to track your spending and keep tabs on your business finances.

Use Helpful Software

Adobe Creative Cloud can help you design and create digital documents. It offers a variety of tools for businesses of all sizes. Along with Google Drive, Adobe's digital options make it a lot easier for your business to go paperless.

Another valuable piece of software is DocuSign. This app allows you to sign documents and contracts electronically. The software enables you to complete all steps digitally, from sending and signing the contract to storing it in your document management system. It's safe and secure, and it can save you a lot of time and hassle.

For legal paperwork that's not digital yet, consider using a scanning tool with a phone app that helps you capture each document. Be sure to combine PDFs into one file as well. This tech advantage can help you reduce paper clutter by combining multiple pages into a single PDF.

Get Employee Buy-In

One of the most important aspects of going paperless is getting your employees to buy into the changes. Everyone should be on board with the change and understand why it's significant to your business plan. If you can, try to make going paperless fun and interactive.

Implementing your plan in a step-by-step process is a great way to ensure success and make the process easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Also, lead by example. If you're not seen as a paperless advocate, getting the rest of your team on board will be challenging.

Help employees understand why going paperless is crucial. Show them how it will save time, reduce waste, and help the environment. You can also offer incentives for employees who can go completely paperless, such as a bonus or extra vacation time.

Use Recycled Paper

Sometimes paper is necessary. When you need to use it, make sure it's recycled paper. Recycled paper is made from post-consumer waste, which means it's eco-friendly. It also often costs less than regular paper, so it's a win-win for your business.

Help is Out There

If you're looking to make the switch to paperless, consider joining your local chamber of commerce. This organization can offer businesses a wealth of resources.