The government’s paperless goals – a look toward a sustainable future

Government going paperlessWith Election Day in full swing, our government’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation has never been more important. Here at The Refinishing Touch, we have firsthand experience working with government agencies and military branches to solidify that sustainable commitment, and ensure our country’s tax dollars are being used wisely and effectively. Through our on-site, sustainable furniture asset management services, including refinishing, reupholstering and remanufacturing, we’ve helped countless state, local and federal governments save approximately 90 percent in carbon emissions and 80 percent on budget, when compared to buying new furniture.

And because of our continued involved and investment in our nation’s sustainable future, we’re always interested in learning about new eco-friendly initiatives and programs the government is enacting. Most recently, we’ve been hearing more and more about the push to go paperless.  In fact, The Obama Administration recently set a goal for federal government agencies to be completely paperless by the end of 2019. Among other requirements, agencies must have plans in place as to how this will be accomplished by next year.  Another part of the initiative, being spearheaded by NARA (the National Archives and Records Administration) is for federal agencies to fully manage both permanent and temporary email records by the end of 2016.

While going completely paperless will not be the easiest feat, President Obama has said in a previous statement: “…we’re going to comb the federal budget, line by line, to eliminate as much wasteful spending as possible.” Similarly, according to the EPA, conserving paper will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, extend the fiber supply, save landfill space, and reduce energy and water consumption.

The Refinishing Touch applauds the government’s efforts to create a more sustainable nation, and going paperless is a great step toward that goal. We look forward to the positive effects such a program will have on our environment and we hope other organizations, including those outside for the government, will push for similar paperless standards.

To learn more about The Refinishing Touch’s government projects, visit our website, or to get more information on how our furniture asset management services can help your organization save on budget and carbon emissions, request a free quote.