PaperlessKitchen Blog

QR Code Business Cards - An Eco-Friendly Solution

 The other day I was out for lunch with a friend. When we were finishing our meal, I looked across the restaurant and noticed a familiar face. After a moment's reflection, I realized that the man in question was a former college classmate, and I headed over to say hello. Our conversation was short, but it revealed an opportunity for collaborating on a project.

 I dug in my wallet to retrieve a business card, so that we could exchange information, but before I could produce one, he touched my arm. "Here," he said. "This is better."

 He reached into a handsome leather case that was meant to hold a stack of business cards. His case just held one. He reached in and pulled it out, turning it over to reveal his name and contact info placed beside a rather eye-catching bar code.

 "You can take it. Or you can just scan it with your phone."

 I blinked. I reached for my smart phone. I scanned the bar code and instantly, I was taken to his website, which had all of his contact info plus information about his company. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. I was pretty sure he was one of the coolest guys I ever met--just because of that business card.

 All the way home, I thought about that card. It was just so easy. I didn't have to keep track of where I put that piece of cardstock. I didn't have to worry about what I'd do with it once I added the information into Outlook. He wouldn't have to worry about depleting his business card supply, so he was surely saving money. And on top of it all, he was protecting the planet by reducing paper waste.

 By the time I got in front of my computer, my fingers were itching to Google, so I could learn more about the business card and share it with our Paperless Kitchen blog readers. Here's what I learned.

 - For those that haven't seen one of these cards before, the bar code is known as a QR code. It's a simple black and white bar code that many smart phones can scan. Codes can link to a website, a social media page or a custom landing page. Alternatively, you can link the code to a VR card that users can download and add to their address books.

 - Many companies sell these business cards and offer complete design services. This lets you purchase the QR code and order your cards all in one place. The service I liked best was MOO, which has a 100 percent recycled paper available for printing. This way, if someone opts to take your card instead of just scanning it, you'll still be protecting the environment.

 - You can also use a service like GOQR.ME to create your own QR code for free, download it and then take it to your current printer. Many discount business card suppliers will also allow you to upload a QR code for printing.

 In the end, I decided to go the all-inclusive route. Now, I'm just patiently waiting to get my new business cards in the mail and get on my way to being a little cooler and a lot more eco-friendly.

 Do you have a QR code business card already? Tell us about them in the "Comments" section.

A Library with No Paper?

In a previous post, we discussed the idea held by some that paperless cookbooks could become a thing of the past in the years to come, and we frequently run across articles that predict the end of the paper newspaper and magazine industry. But would it be possible for libraries to one day be free of paper, too?

 In Bexar County, Texas, the future may arrive more quickly than you think. Local judge Nelson Wolff has presented a proposal for what would be the country's first paperless public library.

 Home to more than 1.7 million people, Bexar County does not currently have its own library system, and instead pays more than $3 million annually for its residents to have free access to the libraries in nearby San Antonio. Wolff's proposal eliminates this program by starting a library within the county that would offer around 10,000 e-books to residents.

 Called Biblio Tech, this paperless library would make titles available for reading on-site or downloading to read at home on tablet computers and e-reader devices. In addition, the paperless library would have rental e-readers available for people to borrow for home use.

 The idea for the paperless library has been implemented for special collections at some college campuses, such as at the Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons at Loyola University Chicago. Still, some feel that public libraries are less conducive to a paperless system, stating that there is a simple pleasure in borrowing a paper book that an e-book just can't duplicate, especially for children, who are often the biggest beneficiaries of public library systems.

 What do you think of the idea of paperless public libraries? Would you use one? Would you prefer it to your current public library? Let us know in the Comments section!

WILL HOSPITALS GO PAPERLESS?

The health care industry is one of the biggest consumers of paper in the United States, and it's easy to see why. Doctors and hospitals continue to collect information on paper-based forms, and paper medical records are still the industry norm. The Salary Reporter estimates that medical records average around 50 pages of paper in length, while some can be as many 600 pages long.

 Not only is all that paper wasteful for the environment, but it's also not as secure as electronic records. What's more, paper medical records can be wiped out in a fire or flood, and they require doctors and hospitals to relegate a large amount of space to store them. Electronic medical records allow for easier sharing of data between doctors, hospitals and specialists and can reduce the risk of medical errors and ensure that patients receive a higher level of quality care.

 The federal government has taken some steps to limit the amount of paper used in the health care industry with the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. Under the law, hospitals that don't implement paperless systems by 2015 could face penalties in the form of reduced Medicare reimbursements.

 It's still not clear if the law will have the desired effects. A recent report described in "Forbes" magazine shows that less than 2 percent of the hospitals in the United States have transitioned to paperless record-keeping, and just another 20 percent are in the final stages of implementing such systems.

 Still, every hospital that commits to a paperless system will make a difference in reducing paper waste. We'll be sure to follow the story of the effects of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and keep you all up to date with the latest data.

The Eco Impact of Items You Never Thought About

When we think about greening our homes and establishing a paperless kitchen, many changes that we can make our obvious, such as abandoning toxic cleaning products and switching to paper towel replacements; however, there are many products in our homes that have a harsh impact on the environment or that are made from nonrenewable materials that we never consider.

 Here's a few products that you may never thought of greening before:

 Swiffer or static cling mops Many people make the switch to these "dry" floor cleansers because they eliminate the need for floor soaps, but those throwaway sheets are typically not biodegradable and can add up to a lot of waste.

 Instead try the e-Cloth Deep Clean Mop, which uses a microfiber cleaning cloth to clean with water alone. The mop head is reusable and can be washed up to 100 times. 

Coasters are often made from toxic-laden plastic or nonrenewable metal. Not only are these materials not biodegradable, but they're also not absorbent and can leave a wet mess on your hard surfaces.

 Instead try Toockies coasters, which are made from 100 percent certified organic cotton and are more absorbent than plastic and metal.

Wooden spoons and other wooden cooking utensils often contribute to deforestation and may be held together with toxic adhesives or finished with chemical sealants. 

Instead try Bambu certified organic bamboo wooden spoons. Every bit as durable and temperature-resistant as your everyday wooden spoon, Bambu spoons have a built in spoon rest to protect your counter tops.

What kitchen products are you planning to replace soon? Have you found sustainable alternatives? Leave a message in the comments for help finding eco-friendly solutions.

Starbucks Takes Steps to Decrease Paper Waste

 Over the years, Starbucks has demonstrated its desire to be a responsible corporation by establishing Fair Trade agreements with coffee growers around the world. Recently, the Seattle-base coffee super giant showed an interest in being more environmentally responsible as well.

 The store has launched a program to help reduce the number of cups that are thrown away by its more than 14,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada. To help reduce waste, Starbucks has started selling $1 refillable cups at all of its locations and is actively inviting customers to purchase them.

 In 2011, only 1.9 percent of Starbucks coffee orders were placed into reusable cups. Still, just that small percentage of refill coffee sales is estimated to have saved 34 million cups or about 1.5 million tons of paper. Even if the coffee chain can double the number of people who make use of refill cups, the paper savings can be huge.

 If you frequent Starbucks or any other coffee shop, why not take your paperless kitchen philosophy on the road and make the switch to reusable cups instead of paper or Styrofoam? We invite you to take the reusable coffee cup pledge in our comments section.

The Toxin in your Living Room

 If you're doing all you can to decrease your eco footprint and protect the health of your family by switching to green cleaning products in your home, you're sure to be dismayed to know that the furniture in your living room may be undermining your efforts to lead a toxin-free life. Unfortunately, many sofas, love seats and easy chairs contain TDCPP, a chemical that studies have found to be a powerful toxin.

 TDCPP is used in as a flame-retardant and is meant to decrease the rate at which furniture burns. The purpose of adding flame-retardants to furniture is to slow the spread of fire and increase the likelihood that firefighters can quickly mitigate a blaze when they arrive on the scene of a fire; however, critics of TDCPP state that when these flame-retardants burn, they actually expose first responders to toxic fumes and can make situations more dangerous.

 A report published by Duke University shows that since 2005, more than half of all upholstered furniture has been manufactured with TDCPP. The study found that the chemical promotes the development of cancerous tumors, can lead to neurological disorders and is an allergen.

 TDCPP’s use isn't just confined to upholstery. It is often found in nursing pillows, sleepers and other products for babies.

 Concerns about the risks of TDCPP are nothing new. The New York State Legislature called for a decrease in the use of TDCPP in products marketed for infants and children in 2011. Still, the federal government has yet to take any steps to call for a restriction on the use of TDCPP or a complete ban on the chemical. With the new report from Duke University, many are hoping that Congress may be called to action.

 So what can you do to protect your family from TDCPP?

 - Contact your Senator and Congressman and tell them to tighten the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 and add TDCPP to the list of controlled toxins.

 - Switch to certified organic clothing, changing pads, bedding and nursing pillows for infants and children.

 - Do some research to find out if your furniture contains TDCPP. If you have the care instructions or information from when you purchased it, you may find details there. If not, try to search for the manufacturer online to determine whether or not they use TDCPP. If your furniture does contain TDCPP, consider replacing it.

 - Shop for certified organic furniture whenever possible or ask questions about what fire retardants are present in upholstered items before you buy.

Green Paper Products

 While you can take steps to reduce paper consumption in your home and in the workplace, it's just not possible to avoid using paper altogether. Fortunately, you can make smart choices when it comes time to purchase paper and ensure that you're selecting products that are eco-friendly.

 Here are a few of our favorite environmentally friendly paper products.

 PaperEvolution Note Set in Recycled Denim - To write a letter in eco-friendly fashion, pick up a set of this green wonder, which is made from post-consumer recycled paper pulp and used blue jeans. The set includes five note cards and five envelopes all in a beautiful light blue color. 

Bungala SenS - This unique brown-tinted craft-type paper is made entirely from grass fibers. A special coarse grass that grows in Latvia is used in the design and gives the paper a smooth texture. Bungala sells SenS in two sizes and also does custom orders upon request.

 Crane's Crest - Since 1801, Crane has been producing their signature Crest line from 100 percent cotton. Available in a variety of finishes and colors, the paper is very versatile and can be used for many printing applications; however, you may have to shop around at several online retailers to find a full selection. 

EcoPaper Banana Paper - White in color and excellent for everyday printing, this paper is made from post-consumer recycled paper pulp and by-products from banana plantations. The paper is processed without the use of chlorine, and a percentage of its sales are donated to an orphanage located in Costa Rica.

Do you have a favorite eco-friendly paper that's not on our list? Tell us about it in the Comments section!

Spanish Researchers Create Exciting New Use for Paper Sludge

 Waste from paper products doesn't start when you're finished with your paper towel or paper plate and throw it away. The production of those paper products creates a tremendous amount of waste in the form of sludge. It's estimated that the paper industry in the U.S. produces over 13.5 million tons of solid waste annually, and unfortunately, much of this sludge ends up in landfills.

 Many eco-conscious entrepreneurs and scientists have been working to develop ways that paper sludge can be re-used instead of left in landfills. One of the most promising of these new methods comes from the University of Jaén in Spain, where paper sludge is being used to make bricks for construction projects. The bricks are made from a combination of paper sludge and cellulose by-products from the paper industry. These materials are mixed with clay and then baked at very high temperatures in a kiln.

 While the researchers at the University of Jaén have been successful at producing bricks with their method, they report that more research and development is needed before the bricks can be used for actual construction projects. So far, the researchers have only been able to produce small bricks that are 1.18 by .39 by 2.36 inches in size, and although the strength of the bricks exceeds the minimums established by Spanish laws, their design must be stronger for use in large buildings.

 The researchers are now working on improvements that may include waste from the manufacturing of beer, olive oil and biodiesel fuels. We'll be keeping an eye on this story and will provide updates as they become available.

PaperKarma App Review

 In a past post, we discussed ways to cut down on junk mail after learning about a deal between mass mailing company Valassis and the U.S. Post Office that will increase the amount of junk mail many Americans receive. Since then, I've discovered a new way to help fight junk mail. This unique app called PaperKarma allows you to unsubscribe from mailing lists that are currently sending you junk mail and is a great way to help cut down on the amount of mail you have to trash in the future.

 The Basics

 -Available for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad with iOS 4.3, Android devices OS 2.2 and up and Windows Phone 7.5 and 8 models

 - Free purchase from the App Store, Google Play and the Windows App store 

- Only available in an English version

- Created by Readabl, Inc.

The Features

 - Allows you to photograph pieces of junk mail that you receive. Then, photos are uploaded and studied to determine the source of the junk mail.

 - If the source appears in the PaperKarma database, the app will send an unsubscribe request on your behalf.

 - Requires you to register for a free account by providing your email address. You must provide your mailing address as well before you scan any mail.

 - Status screens allow you to easily monitor the progress PaperKarma has made in processing your request.

The Takeaway

 I saved up about a week's worth of junk mail sent to my family --around 32 pieces in all. It only took me about 15 minutes to get all of the pictures scanned and uploaded. Of what I scanned, about 75 percent was found in the system. I really liked the fact that I could use the GPS feature to find my home address instead of having to spend time typing on my iPhone.

 It would have taken me hours to determine where all of this junk mail had come from and send requests to have it stopped. With my busy schedule, I likely would have received several more mailings from these companies before I had the opportunity to request being taken off the list, so PaperKarma allowed me to stop the junk mail and save paper far more quickly. All in all, I'm really impressed with PaperKarma and highly recommend it.

Four Great Apps to Help You Go Organic

 Going organic makes your kitchen greener, protects your family from chemicals and helps to preserve the health of the planet. Depending on where you live, going organic can be challenging.