I use a lot of paper.

There are a three reasons for this. First, I like to organize material offline. I’m a paper and pencil kind of guy so I often print emails, online references and PDF files.

Second, I like to do editing offline. I like to break out my highlighter and red pen or trusty pencil. I like to circle things and draw arrows. It’s my way expressing emotion with ideas and concepts.

Third, paper is so physical. I can hold it in my hands. I can fold it. I can rip it. I can burn it. There is something about touching paper that turns on my imagination and ability to clearly think.

And, I’m a paper pusher…

Many times I will encourage people to print out my emails or my articles online. I do this because I know that many other people react to paper like I do.

Words on a screen are quite powerful. Yet, those same words, when placed on paper, are more meaningful and relevant. They are transformed into a real presence. Many things are harder to ignore when they are printed. They are given flesh and a handsome smile.

I’m also a paper pusher because I’m an author. Recently I published Selling Usability, which is a book about “sneaking” usability and user experience into organizations. Yes, you can purchase the PDF version but most people want the physical, dead tree version. Curiously, the PDF version is about 40% less than the paperback yet people still go for the version they can carry around.

(Or, carry on a plane. Or, throw on their bookshelf. Or, burn for warmth in the middle of a cold, dark winter.)

Sidebar: I did some investigation about paper. I figured the facts and figures would open my eyes. Let’s take a look:

So, the truth is that we all waste a lot of paper in many ways and for many reasons. I don’t really see that changing much. I think most of us love to “consume” paper. It’s everywhere.

Here’s the summary: Why do we still use paper (especially for reading)?

  • It’s bright and cheerful
  • It’s highly mobile
  • It’s satisfies our physical needs (e.g., control)
  • It’s easy to draw on
  • It’s easy to hold
  • It’s easy to carry and transport
  • It doesn’t require batteries

Cheers,

~ John

p.s. There are many ways to reduce the amount of paper that you use.

  • Don’t print out emails (me culpa but I cannot stop)
  • Stop junk mail from flowing
  • Use more email vs. paper
  • Buy more ebooks and PDFs
  • Print on both sides, when feasible
  • Use old printed paper as scrap paper
  • Recycle paper like crazy