With the increasing availability of digital tools in the workplace, paper use has been dropping rapidly. And that’s for the better, as it’s environmentally conscientious to want to reduce waste. Here are some useful tips to further reduce paper usage in your workplace, which can also reduce costs:

• Instead of using paper memo pads to communicate missed phone calls, use email or instant messages instead. Even better, there’s no chance of an email being lost on somebody’s messy desk.
• Fax machines are an annoying anachronism that are on the way out. But sometimes you’ll need to receive a fax. New software lets you hook up a fax line to a computer terminal and receive faxes as digital files that you can print if you need to and discard if you don’t, saving paper and aggravation.
• Digital contracts are now legally valid thanks to the E-Sign Act passed by Congress in 2000. Keeping contracts in a paperless format allows you to duplicate them infinitely while having them remain binding.
• Digital invoicing is also a great way to save paper. Services like Freshbooks let you manage your invoicing and payment process online, using PayPal to receive payments with no paper involved.
• Using your smartphone is a great way to reduce paper usage. Many apps are available that let you increase productivity by replacing your rolodex, calendar, and more.