The importance of planning cannot be underestimated in any professional field. It structures our day, allowing us to make efficient use of our time, and achieve our targets. The traditional paper planners are great tools for laying out our strategies and jotting down to-do lists, meetings and appointments. However, in recent years, there’s been a growing concern about the adverse impact paper production and waste have on the environment. The solution lies in opting for environmentally friendly planners. These eco-conscious alternatives allow us to improve our productivity at work, while doing our bit to conserve the environment.
Environmentally friendly planners, as the name suggests, are diaries or organizers made from natural, sustainable materials. They are designed to minimize ecological consequences by reducing waste and promoting recycling. Manufacturers of these planners usually employ a number of sustainable practices including using recycled paper, plant-based inks, and biodegradable or compostable covers.
One of these sustainable planners worth mentioning comes from the UK-based brand, Natural Company. Their 2021-2022 academic year planner is not only made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper but also printed with soy-based ink. Its durable hardcover is made from a compostable material named BioLaminate, a revolutionary step in eco-friendly stationery.
For users who prefer a more flexible set-up, the Essentials EcoLogix Recycled Planner may be the ideal choice. This product uses 100 percent recycled paper, known for its pleasant natural ivory color, and its design is wire-bound, allowing for easy page flipping and laying flat when open. This planner is manufactured by Brownline, a company that prides itself on producing eco-friendly products and promoting sustainable practices.
If a classic aesthetic is more your speed, consider the recycled leather planner by Gallery Leather. The company recycles scraps leftover from other leather goods, saving landfills from unnecessary waste, to create beautifully crafted leather-bound organizers. Their water-based dyed leather is more environmentally friendly and safer for workers compared to traditional chemical-based processes.
But environmentally friendly planners are not limited to physical products. Digital planners also play a significant role in promoting green habits and contributing to environmental conservation. Apps or software like Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or Evernote fall under this category. They eliminate the need for physical paper while providing a platform to plan and organize tasks, meetings, and deadlines.
An excellent example of a digital planner is TeuxDeux. This minimalist app for iOS and Web offers an intuitive interface for managing tasks with features for recurring to-dos and markdown support. It aims to provide the simplicity of a classic paper-and-pen to-do list but with the added benefit of mobility and digital storage.
Another noteworthy digital organizer is the popular project management tool, Trello. It allows users to organize tasks into visual cards, creating a digital representation of a corkboard and post-it notes system. The eco-advantages of using such digital tools are their paperless nature and their off-grid capabilities, reducing the carbon footprint associated with physical shipping and packaging.
While opting for environmentally friendly planners, it’s important to think about how they fit into your work style. Look for a layout that works best for you—whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Make sure the planner has adequate space for all your entries and annotations. Finally, while attractive designs can make planning more enjoyable, remember that the primary function of a planner is to aid in organization and productivity.
Considering the environmental challenges we face today, every step towards sustainability counts. Shifting to an eco-friendly planner from a regular one may seem like just a small measure. However, if more people make a habit of it, it will go a long way towards conserving resources and reducing the harmful effects on our ecosystem.
In conclusion, environmentally friendly planners offer a unique combination of practicality, aesthetics, and environmental conservation. Whether you choose a sustainable physical planner or a digital one, you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment, while staying organized at work.
