Signatures can be lethal. When John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence he knew that he was sticking his neck out. Did you know that your signature can be lethal too? While most of us may pay attention to the document text we are signing off on, how many of us pay attention to the type of paper our pen is pushing on? (more…)

Keep thermal and carbonless copy papers out of your paper recycling bin. By not allowing these chemically-coated papers into the recycling stream, you will be reducing the amount of potentially hazardous chemicals that find their way into recycled paper products. Remember, when hazardous chemicals end up in recycled food packaging , they can easily migrate from the packaging into food. Ask your local municipal recycling station how best to handle these chemically-coated papers.

Reduce the amount of non-recyclable thermal paper receipts by simply saying “No” to a printed receipt when your are given the opportunity to accept or decline one. An easy way to start is by declining ATM receipts. (The transaction information shows up on your monthly bank statement anyway). With each “Decline” you will be making a small advancement toward a greener lifestyle.

There is growing public opinion that sales receipts are getting longer. A long sales receipt (once embarrassing proof of an out of control shopping spree) can now bring tidings of special offers, coupons, and redemptions. In a culture where more information is better, these growing paper streamers help to satisfy our need to know.
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