Most of us get paper / printed statements from many sources (a.k.a hard copy ), like phone bill, credit card statement, bank statements etc. Many a times, these statements may not be necessary. In this post, I’m covering why these are harmful to the environment, and how can we be more environment friendly.

A typical detailed phone bill has between 2 to 5 pages, along with one envelope , and some brochures that we never read. This means, we’re generating a lot of paper statements, that promptly go back to the used paper vendor or get tossed into the trashcan, indirectly making more trees cut for the paper that we (don’t) use.

Can we opt out of Print / hard copies of statements?
Yes. Here are the options. Go ahead, try them, and share your thoughts.

1. Most telephone companies support electronic statements, instead of sending you an electronic copy. I know Airtel does it, I hope BSNL also has an electronic format. You can easily switch to electronic format.
2. Most banks support sending statements in electronic format.You can easily switch to electronic format from their online banking sites.
3. Some banks don’t send you a credit card statement, if you didn’t have any transactions during a reporting period. Using one ( or very few ) credit cards can help this way.

The advantages?
Apart from the feeling that we are being eco-friendly by saying no to physical statements, you also get some additional benefits by going online.

1. If you’re computer savvy, it’s much easier to review / record statements into your accounting software easily from a online format, compared to a print / hard copy format.
2. It’s more secure not to have a print copy. You can’t afford to have your bank statements weighed and sold. Not many of us have a shredder at home
3. You can always request for a print copy, when you need it.
4. No statements could also mean, no one drives to your home in a fuel hungry vehicle to deliver a courier / statement.

If you would like to know how to opt out of some of the Indian private institutions, I have some experience :-), feel free to write to me.

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