Welcome to part five of our blog series on Going Green, dedicated to helping attorneys practice law in a more environmentally friendly way.  Last week we discussed travel costs, both monetary and environmental.  We realized that by limiting travel and gas expenditures, you can help your wallet while helping to do your part to save the planet.  This week we will focus on recycling.

Recycling is something that we have heard about our entire lives.  It seems like this was the answer to all of our problems in past.  Well, it is still one of the most important things that we can do to help the environment.  In addition, it is still something that most people do not pay attention to.

As we discussed in a previous post, many lawyers use a lot of paper.  It is just something that comes with the territory.  In part 3 of this series, we talked about ways to reduce paper usage.  But, no matter what, there will always be paper waste.  That is why recycling is so important.  Throwing all that paper in the trash is one of the most hurtful things that you can do as an attorney to our environment.

Most times, it is just as easy to recycle as it is to throw something in the trash, so in those cases you have no excuse.  Sometimes, you have to make the extra effort to find recycling centers are discuss recycling options with your building.  Either way, the amount of waste that you will be saving is worth it.

In addition, as an outside the box suggestion, consider using printing services that use recycled paper.  Many lawyers will print up materials for use in marketing, communication, or even materials for trial.  It is important to realize that for just a small amount more, you can use a company that prints exclusively on recycled products.  This helps the environment, and helps out other companies with the health of our planet in their business model.

Recycling is easy, and cheap, and should already be a part of your professional life.  But if it’s not, then it’s time to start.

Past Installments in this Series
Part One – An Introduction to Going Green
Part Two – Cut Electricity Costs, Just Flip the Switch
Part Three – Forget Paper, Go Digital
Part Four – Travel Together, Travel Less