Free eResources from the National Library Board

The National Library Board (NLB) is providing free eResources to the public, such as ebooks, ejournals, emagazines and enewspapers.

Just register online and you can read magazines such as Newsweek, Time, Harvard Business Review, New Scientist and Fast Company, and search for newspaper articles from The Straits Times and The Business Times, online for free.

With the NLB’s new eResources service, you don’t have to buy the hardcopies of magazines and newspapers, and can help to save on resources and money. Check it out and spread the word.

Image credit: National Library Board

Eliminate the Excessive Use of Paper

In Singapore, paper is the most common type of waste and about 1.26 million tonnes of paper waste was generated in 2008. We need to eliminate the excessive use of paper and try to reduce paper waste where possible.

Cutting down on our use of paper will lead to a smaller environmental impact during paper production such as less energy and water consumption, less pollution, and less destruction of old forests and their biodiversity.

There are many ways to reduce the use of paper in the office and at home. Here’s a few examples:

1. Avoid Printing Emails and Web Pages
2. Use Email Instead of Fax
3. Print and Photocopy on Both Sides of the Paper
4. Switch to Electronic Invoicing
5. Reuse Old Envelopes for Internal Mail
6. Go Paperless with Electronic Bills and Statements
7. Avoid Printing ATM Receipts
8. Reduce Junk Mail
9. Submit Your Annual Income Tax Return Online
10. Use Cloth for Cleaning Instead of Paper Towels
11. Read Newspapers and Magazines Online

1. Avoid Printing Emails and Web Pages

Avoid printing emails and web pages unnecessarily. Instead, archive your emails and bookmark your web pages for easy reference. If you need to print web pages often, you can use the free GreenPrint software to remove unwanted pages before printing. Or adjust your page and printer settings to minimise the number of pages before printing.

Have you come across an email signature with a tree logo and the words ”Please consider the environment before printing this email”? This is a good way to remind the email recipient to think first before printing. Learn more about this signature and how to add it to your email.

2. Use Email Instead of Fax

Use email instead of fax for sending documents. Just attach the document as a word or pdf file in your email. Or you can scan the document and attach it in your email. If you really need to use the fax, avoid using a cover page. Read more