In an effort to reduce that use, most photocopiers used by CCC now have both-sides printing — duplexing — automatically on its photocopiers and the Council is also moving to use machines that are combination printers and photocopiers.

These multi-function devices (MFDs) allow the organisation to save floor space, use less paper and give staff better functionality wherever they are in an office.

While thinking about paper and how to cut down the amount being used, the staff experimented with the type styles (font) being used in printed reports and the size of text being printed. The City Councillors also looked at the options.

Deciding to change to a smaller font in printed agendas has resulted in significant savings in printing and paper costs, as well as taking less space to store minute books.

The smaller font has reduced the size of agendas by about 37 per cent, with corresponding paper and cost savings.

Taken across the Council as a whole, the resulting saving is estimated at more than $60,000 a year.

Committee reports and agendas are all available online at www.ccc.govt.nz/council/Agendas/ for those with access to the internet. This too has cut down on the number of printed copies posted out.

What can you do?

• Use paper on both sides
• Recycle