A group of companies calling itself The Paperless Coalition is promoting a collection of online tools that can reduce the need for paper documents in the workplace.
Google is participating via its cloud storage application, Google Drive, and got involved after previously teaming up with another participant, HelloFax, on the launch of an online fax application.
Others in the Coalition include:
- Manilla — Online bill management
- HelloSign — e-Signatures
- Expensify — Online expense reports
- Xero — Online business accounting
- Fujitsu — New ScanSnap home/office scanner
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average US office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year. In 2010, the amount of paper recovered for recycling averaged 334 pounds for each person living in the US, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.
The Paperless Coalition says throughout the year it also will promote strategies for reducing paper use via an email newsletter and other activities.
In related news, Toshiba in December unveiled a multifunction printer for the office environment that can erase paper for reuse up to four times.
@Bart_King is a freelance writer and communications consultant.
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Bart King is the founder and principal at New Growth Communications. He specializes in helping sustainability leaders develop thought leadership content and strategy
Published Jan 7, 2013 8am EST / 5am PST / 1pm GMT / 2pm CET