Remember the last time you had to write a lot of words on real papers to get your work done? I guess I have the same answer as many of you – it’s been too long for me to remember.
The use of paper has been declining for decades as digital technologies have become more prevalent. In the early 2000s, it was estimated that the average office worker used 10,000 sheets of paper per year. By 2015, that number had dropped to 5,000 sheets. And by 2020, the average office worker is estimated to use only 2,500 sheets of paper per year.
More and more people are using smartphones, tablets and laptops for tasks that used to be done on paper, such as reading books, writing notes and managing finances. At the same time, paper production contributes significantly to deforestation and climate change. As more people become aware of this, they are more likely to opt for electronic devices instead of paper. In addition, the cost of paper is also rising. This is due to a number of factors, including rising raw material costs and increasing energy costs in paper production. As the cost of paper continues to rise, it is becoming more and more attractive to use electronic devices instead.
The ongoing development of digital technologies, the rising cost of paper and the growing public demand for sustainability – these factors could be the main drivers that make a truly paperless society possible.
However, there are also a number of facts that could keep us from becoming a truly paperless society. Many people still prefer to use paper for certain tasks such as writing notes, signing documents and reading books. There are many businesses and organizations such as financial institutions, law firms, and educational institutions that still rely heavily on paper due to regulations and legacy systems.
Whether or not we become a truly paperless society is a question that only time can answer. However, the trend towards a less paper-based world is clear, and it is likely that we will see further progress in this area in the coming years.
