Educational Signs to Encourage Double-sided Printing and Copying

Posted: 20-Feb-2004; Updated: 04-Oct-2007

Despite the advent of "paperless" technologies, paper use in the U.S. is skyrocketing. In 2000, over 4.6 million tons of copy paper were shipped in the U.S. — that's 1 million tons more than 1995. Our growing demand for paper comes at a high cost to the environment. The economic consequences of paper use are also significant: include the costs for paper storage, printing, copying, recycling, disposal and postage, and the numbers quickly add up.

Environmental Defense has created twelve educational signs as part of an effort to reduce copy paper use through our work with Citigroup. Please use the signs in your office to encourage double-sided printing and copying, which reduces paper use, helps the environment and cuts costs.

Download a paper-saving sign

Soda can: Making ONE SHEET of copy paper can use over 13 oz. of water	A bright idea: Save energy and money with 2-sided copying	Lighten up: Over 10% of energy in the industrial sector goes to making paper
Double dip: Use both sides to save paper, money and the environment	Watch your waste: About one-third of solid waste is paper and packaging	Save money: Paper costs a lot, but the buck stops here.
Paper stacks: Americans use one sheet of paper every 12 minutes	Owl: Give a hoot and use both sides of your paper	2 sides to every story: Use both sides of paper when printing and copying
Forest through the trees: One-third of all U.S.-harvested wood goes to paper and packaging	Double the trouble?: No. Double-sided printing and copying is easy	One is the loneliest number: Double-side your copies and print jobs