Despite the implementation of technology in our everyday lives, especially with a mindset of cutting down on paper consumption by means such as printing, paper consumption is rapidly on the rise. Over the past twenty years, paper production has increased by 126% percent, or in other terms rose from 92 to 208 million tons of paper. The primer statistic from 1997 could be equivalent to the same weight as 200,000 Volkswagen Beetles as well.

Even in the school I attend, the International School Manila (ISM), rates are alarmingly high. By referring to the two graphs attached below, it is found that over the course of a semester, the overall trend regarding the paper consumption varies without direct correlations from month to month, but the highest points were at August, the start of school, with 215,175 sheets of paper used, due to learning resources needed for initial preparation, while the lowest point was during the school vacation, July, with 7,654 sheets of paper. The HS department has the largest consumption, with 38.6% of the total amount or 83,315 sheets, while administration and other school facilities for instance the cashier, had the least amount with 10.4% of the total amount or 22,516 sheets. The trend identified within this shows that grade level positively correlates with the number of paper used with increases supporting the aforementioned claim.

As a result, it is imperative that action is to be done to mitigate the aforementioned rates. By merely recycling one ton of paper, one can save more or less 682.5 gallons of oil, 26,500 liters of water and 17 trees. Not only is it dependent on the most trivial of tasks, but it can even benefit an individual in relation to the workplace. It is estimated that 40% of a person?s time is lost filing through cabinets that of which each costs 1500 USD annually (whilst each document is at 20 USD).

Finding a solution has many different layers apart from the general ideas as displayed in the below, but are not limited to:

• Print double sided with minimal margins (can be set as default)

• Use font wisely (Garamond is the most space efficient)

• Place notices next to printing machines and others of the ilk (habits are formed through this)

• Choose thinner paper (can be referred to on the package)

• Reuse paper (especially easier with direct designated areas for doing so)

• Reduce unwanted mail (to do so, contact the address stamped on the envelope)

• Use technology when paper isn?t needed (e.g. communication, sharing of documents)

Awareness is also another major factor. In tying back into the data collected at ISM, plans are to have an Indicator report published on activity at school regarding environmental, economic, societal and wellbeing aspects. A No Impact Week is also implemented each year to cut down on consumption, while many students are also starting their own initiatives on teaching others at public schools on the importances of waste management. The possibilities are endless and with the spice of an individual?s unique innovation, this is especially the case.

Works Cited:

• Gaille, Brandon. "29 Insane Paper Consumption Statistics." BrandonGaille.com. N.p., 10 Aug. 2015. Web. 11 Mar. 2017. <http://brandongaille.com/29-insane-paper-consumption-statistics/>.

• "How to Reduce Paper Consumption in the Office." WWF. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2017. <http://www.bing.com/cr?IG=037ECDF1B40B468285F750364A299562&CID=3FF2A07D78CB68B71AD5AA3F79FA69CC&rd=1&h=dJj7nAx9EgwkDPRG3N7gPf89ZtyVU8aqQxS1geGxtwg&v=1&r=http%3a%2f%2fassets.panda.org%2fdownloads%2ffinal_paper_saving_tips.pdf&p=DevEx,5061.1>.