| We've all read about the coming paperless | | | | continues to grow. People are buying more |
| society, but from where I stand I can truly say it | | | | attractive file cabinets and storage mechanisms to |
| not only isn't here yet, but it isn't coming in its full | | | | put in their homes because there is so much |
| predicted splendor any time soon. | | | | more paper to keep than ever. Recycling has |
| Every place I go there is more paperwork than | | | | become the watchword and people are eager to |
| there used to be. Some of it is done electronically, | | | | find appropriate systems to handle the recyclable |
| but then they print out a copy for their records | | | | materials that multiply faster than dust bunnies in |
| and one for me to take home. While I am | | | | their homes. |
| bombarded with electronic messages, I am still | | | | Almost everyone seems discouraged by the |
| overwhelmed with forms and more paper mail | | | | amount of paper that flows from the mailbox into |
| than ever. With the increasingly litigious nature of | | | | their homes on a daily basis. As a result, time |
| our society, companies require more statements, | | | | management experts continually address the |
| more right-to-privacy paperwork, more | | | | subject by recommending that people arrange a |
| disclaimers, more signatures recognizing that the | | | | suitable recycling system right where they come |
| disclaimer was received, read, and agreed to, and | | | | into their homes, so that mail need not be taken |
| so on. In many offices, support staff makes | | | | any farther into the house than is necessary. |
| copies of blank forms which they are sending to | | | | Some experts recommend that that system |
| clients, just to document what was sent. Not too | | | | include not only a container dedicated to paper for |
| paperless if you ask me. | | | | ads and junk mail, but also a shredder...right there |
| So, other than the obvious inconvenience of the | | | | near the door...for sensitive material. Sort and |
| whole thing, what does this mean to the average | | | | dispose of all that you can immediately, rather |
| person? It means both opportunity and need are | | | | creating piles of papers which you plan to attend |
| created. The opportunities are those involved in | | | | to later. |
| the paper industry; from growing lumber for | | | | Don't let the endless stream of paperwork that |
| paper pulp, to investing in paper manufacturing | | | | our paperless society keeps sending you get you |
| and distribution, to the retail end of supplying and | | | | down. Create a secure and environmentally |
| marketing paper, paper products, and printing | | | | friendly system for managing it that works for |
| products. While many newspaper and magazine | | | | you. And remember some of the little things that |
| companies are struggling, look at different areas | | | | can still make you eager to get your mail: a |
| of the industry: Never before has there been | | | | pretty mail box with flowers around it, the |
| such a need for copy centers and high-end | | | | personal note on sweet-smelling stationery with |
| printers for business and home use. | | | | photos of loved ones enclosed, checks, birthday |
| On a more personal level, some of the need that | | | | cards, and even the occasional package. Suddenly |
| all of this creates is for storage, retention | | | | it sort of makes me glad that we aren't paperless |
| programs, and secure disposal of sensitive | | | | yet. I think I'll go write a note to my dear old |
| material. The home office product industry | | | | Aunt Ruth! |