The Paperless Office: A Possible Utopia

Abstract

The rapid, massive use of paper in our workplaces has a major impact on the environment, and therefore on our lives, as it places heavy demands on natural resources in proportion to demand. Paper is also an item that abounds in the daily routine of offices where most public and private institutions operate. Recognizing the need to adopt human practices that ensure a healthy environment in our immediate surroundings, this article presents the possibility of adopting environmentally friendly practices through conscious paper use, from production to consumption. This workplace and institutional tool can be replaced by many of the digital solutions offered by current technology. Several institutions provide examples of how this transition can be implemented in everyday office routines.