Adding Paper Shredding and Recycling to Your Everyday Sustainability Practices

In today’s business world, sustainability is more important than ever. If you’re in a leadership role, you’ve probably heard of Peter Drucker, the renowned “Father of Management.” Even though he passed away two decades ago, his wisdom remains relevant. One of his standout quotes is, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” To build a sustainable future, integrating paper shredding and recycling into your daily operations is a smart and impactful strategy. These practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance your business’s security.

The Environmental Impact of Paper Waste

Paper waste significantly affects our planet. Here are some key statistics to consider:

• Landfill Contribution: Approximately 26% of all landfill waste in the US consists of paper and paperboard products.
• Recycling Rates: Around 66% of paper in the US is recycled, a notable increase from the 50% recycling rate in 2000.
• Deforestation: An estimated 40% of the world’s forests are logged annually for paper production.
• Water Usage: Producing one ton of paper can consume up to 24,000 gallons of water, impacting local water supplies and ecosystems.
• Energy Consumption: The paper industry is highly energy-intensive, using about 3,200 kWh of energy to produce a ton of paper, which leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions.
• Carbon Emissions: The lifecycle of paper products contributes approximately 1.7 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions globally each year.
• Waste Generation: In the US, the average person generates about 800 pounds of paper waste annually.
• Mitigation Potential: Reducing paper waste through recycling and adopting digital alternatives can significantly lessen these environmental impacts.

Benefits of Incorporating Shredding and Recycling into Daily Practices

1. Carbon Footprint

• Less Energy Consumption: Recycling paper typically uses less energy compared to producing new paper from raw materials. This reduction in energy demand leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Waste Reduction: Shredded paper that is recycled instead of sent to landfills helps decrease the overall volume of waste, reducing methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas.
• Conservation of Resources: Recycling one ton of paper can save about 17 trees and thousands of gallons of water.
• Reduced Transportation Emissions: Recycling minimizes the carbon emissions associated with transporting raw materials.
• Promotes Circular Economy: Reusing materials reduces the need for new production and all related pollutants, supporting a sustainable economic model.

2. Enhances Data Security

• Prevents Identity Theft: Shredding makes it difficult for thieves to access personal information, such as Social Security numbers or financial details.
• Reduces Risk of Data Breaches: Properly destroying confidential information lowers the risk of data breaches.
• Compliance: Shredding helps businesses comply with privacy laws like HIPAA, FACTA, and GLBA.
• Physical Security: Creating a physical barrier against unauthorized access ensures sensitive information cannot be retrieved from the trash or recycling bins.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your documents have been completely destroyed reduces anxiety about information leaks, ensuring they cannot be read or reconstructed.

Practical Tips for Adding Shredding and Recycling to Your Routine

At Home:

• Choose a Secure Location: Select a reliable paper shredder that thoroughly destroys your documents. Alternatively, partner with a shredding company that complies with privacy laws.
• Establish a Routine: Regularly shred your documents to minimize the time they remain unprotected.
• Secure Storage: Lock the area where discarded documents are stored. Reputable shredding companies can provide securely locked shred collection containers.
• Educate Your Family: Make sure everyone understands the importance of shredding sensitive documents.
• Adopt a Shred-All Policy: Ensure no information gets overlooked by committing to shred all sensitive documents.

In the Office:

• Clear Shredding Policies: Implement and communicate clear shredding policies and best practices.
• Regular Training: Conduct training sessions for employees to foster a culture of sustainability and security.
• Emphasize Dual Benefits: Highlight the environmental and security benefits of shredding and recycling to motivate staff.

Choosing a Shredding Service with Sustainable Practices

• Certification: Opt for NAID AAA Certified shredding services certified by i-SIGMA, which includes sustainability practices in their guidelines.
• Recycling Commitment: Ensure the shredding service recycles shredded paper rather than sending it to landfills. Inquire about their recycling processes.
• Eco-Friendly Operations: Choose companies that use energy-efficient shredders or green transportation methods for collecting and transporting materials.
• Responsible Materials Handling: Confirm that the service responsibly disposes of non-paper materials, such as plastics or metals from binders and clips.
• Sustainability Policies: Look for shredding companies with documented sustainability policies.
• Positive Reviews and References: Check customer reviews for mentions of sustainability practices. Feedback from other clients can provide insights into their environmental efforts.
• Local Services: Selecting a local shredding service can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and support local businesses and initiatives.
• Educational Resources: A good shredding service often provides educational materials about the importance of data security and sustainability, demonstrating their commitment to both areas.

Measuring the Impact of Your Shredding and Recycling Efforts

Integrating shredding and recycling into your daily business operations is a manageable and effective way to support sustainability. Over time, these practices will become a natural part of your workflow, contributing to a healthier planet. Implementing small changes today can lead to significant positive impacts, ensuring that future generations inherit a sustainable environment.

Richards & Richards is dedicated to providing compliant shredding services with a strong focus on recycling. Our mission is to ensure your business’s information security while partnering with you to protect the earth for generations to come. We are Nashville’s oldest NAID AAA Certified shredding company, giving you full peace of mind that your sensitive information is safe and protected. To incorporate paper shredding and recycling into your everyday sustainability practices, call us at 615-242-9600 or complete the form on this page.