Paper is one of the biggest causes of clutter. Some of it is necessary, but a lot of it is not.

It’s easiest if we reduce the amount of paper we receive in the first place. This not only saves time and minimizes the amount of paper we have to read, file and dispose of, but it is better for the environment.

Even if we recycle, the production and transportation of recycled paper requires energy and produces carbon emissions. If we reduce the amount of paper we use, we are helping to reduce overall fuel consumption and to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Paper clutter arrives in two ways: through our mailboxes and by what we choose to collect throughout our day. We can decide to say “no” to a lot of it, including business cards, meeting agendas, theatre and concert programs, store flyers and more. All it takes is a moment to think about what you plan to do with that paper. If you’re not going to use it, don’t take it in the first place or give it back when you are done.

Here’s what else you can do:

1. Reduce mailbox clutter by using these web sites:
   
   
   • www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org – Opt out of receiving unsolicited yellow pages. A free, paperless alternative is Goog411, offered by Google. Dial 1-800-goog411 (1-800-466-4411) to get business listings. I’ve already programmed into my phone! Find out more at www.google.com/goog411.
   
   
   • www.dmachoice.org/consumerassistance.php - The Direct Marketing Association’s web site allows you to opt out of direct mail offers.
   
   
   • www.catalogchoice.org– Use this site to reduce the number of catalogs you receive. Make sure you end this web address in "org", not "com".
   
   
2. Evaluate your magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Look at what you get and how much you actually read. If you don’t read what you currently receive, let your subscriptions lapse. Cancel at least two subscriptions for each new one you buy.


3. Borrow books and magazines from your local library instead of buying them. People often have more books than they can store.


4. Think before your print. More than 40% of printouts are discarded within 24 hours (“The Paper Chasers” by Daniel Lyons,Newsweek, 12/01/08).


5. Receive your bills electronically and pay them online if you are comfortable with the process. Some people need the paper statement in their “Bills to Pay” file in order to keep track of their financial obligations, while others find electronic bill-paying more suited to their information processing style.

Follow these suggestions in order to have less clutter, a more organized life, and a cleaner environment.