The actual use of digital media can effectively reduce or even eliminate consumption. The exception is the power consumed by your equipment. This far outweighs the downside  which inlcude the use of trees for paper, carbon emissions for transport and waste packaging.

When we view media online the following list just touches the tip of what is available to replace traditional media such as television, radio, newspaper and other print media:

1. documentation
2. forms
3. data collection
4. storage
5. print publication (newspapers, books, magazines, classifieds,mailers,directories)
6. advertising
7. photos & graphics
8. audio
9. visual media
10. games
11. post
12. banking
13. learning
14. social events and meetings
15. communication
16. telecommuting

The result of the above list (which is far from complete)

• no paper (in theory) – blackberries, iPads, Kindles, cellphones, etc. could eliminate the need for paper completely. Even for legal documentation.
• no harmful ink or chemicals
• less packaging with less materials being shipped – just go online to look up your info
• gas & harmful pollutants reduced -  delivery, commute (at an average of 3 hours driving a day).

There are business savings in the form of  cost and effectiveness too.

• Postage and delivery costs lowered
• Response time improves
• Market exposure is increased and can be targeted
• Client relationship improved (real time, high accessibility)
• Flexibility & convenience  ensured – 24 and 7
• Enhanced quality of product, reduced cost to distribute & produce

The newspaper industry has seen a dramatic decline in the use of paper for print since the inception of the internet. Every year. In scale large circulation and distribution saves money and the environment – in a big way. No longer do we need to consume vast amounts of paper and use large distribution channels that create harmful emissions.

We have choices. Plenty of them. Now it’s a matter of adjusting and using them effectively.

if you liked this post, take a gander at these ones!

• 8 traits of eco friendly packaging
• 12 Tips to Reduce Paper Consumption in the Office
• eco friendly shipping and delivery choices
• environmental burden of online media
• environmental concerns of shipping