There are many similarities between running a freelance business and a company, least of which is managing costs and doing all you can to keep them down. Your printer may sit idly in the corner until you need it, but it represents a money sink for many businesses, including freelancers. If you have to print out drafts, finished manuscripts or layouts, then you’ll probably consume quite a lot of paper and ink. However, it needn’t be that way because there are various techniques, which we outline below, to reduce the amount of paper you use and thereby cut costs.

1. Use Email

Whenever possible, send messages and notes via email rather than sending paper copies. Email is a faster and more efficient method of communication, so information can pass between you and the client extremely quickly, therefore helping you get more business. If your clients are active on social networks, don’t forget that you can also contact them using Twitter and Facebook, both of which offer integrated lightweight messaging.

2. Utilize Your Printer’s Options

Many printers allow you to print on both sides of the page, and this saves a lot of paper in the long run. Also, if you can print two pages on a single side, try that. If it’s too small to read, go back to one page per side. However, you will quickly find that your printer gives you many paper-saving options to use in the office and at home.

3. Only Print What You Need

If you can read something on your computer and you don’t need a hard copy, there is no reason to print it. As mentioned above, you may keep memos and notes in your email inbox and avoid excess printing. Think about what you print each time you print a document to make sure that it is something you need. If not, you can always save a copy to your computer and save it in that way. If you need to copy a document, make only as many copies as you need. You can always make more copies later if you find that you didn’t print enough.

4. Recycle

One of the best ways to reduce paper usage is to recycle paper once you are finished with it. Set up a recycling program at your office and encourage everyone to participate. You will soon find that much less paper is being thrown away. This also helps paper companies reduce their usage of natural resources. Purchase recycled paper products to encourage this market.

5. Pay Bills Online

Almost all banks and credit cards now offer online payment services. You can also often receive online statements, which you can save on your computer for future reference. This reduces paper waste and allows you to keep track of billing statements and payments online. You can also avoid using checks as a method of payment. Try online bill pay as another way to reduce your paper usage.

Each of these tips is designed to help you reduce the amount of paper you use. By following them you will soon find that you are using less paper on a daily basis and that most of what you used before was really unnecessary. Employ these simple steps in your freelance business and you will not only save some money, but also save a few trees at the same time!

This post was compiled by James, a product analyst, blogger and writer based in the UK who writes reviews consumables for Canon printers at the country’s leading online supplier, Cartridge Save.

photo credit: Ryan.Berry