Are You Using Less Paper?

According to The Economist, citing a study by the consultancy InfoTrends, we are finally seeing lowered paper usage for the average American office. The average pound of paper used by a "white-collar worker" in the US has been dropping from slightly over 140 lbs in 2001 to a forecasted 130 lbs in 2008, with a consistent downward trend.

Although no specific reasons were given for the shift, the Economist attributes this to a younger demographic entering the workforce, "who have grown up with electronic communication, feel less need to print documents than their older colleagues."

Relatedly, I would think that other reasons may be the lower cost per megabyte for storage, the prominence of email (over fax), and more affordable flat screen monitors with better resolutions. However, it is unclear how an older demographic working longer and retiring later may affect this trend in the future, if the difference is generational.