[GreenYes] CA Seeking Model Legal Paper Waste Reduction Programs

[Gary Liss <gary@garyliss.com>]

Apologies for Cross-Postings

CIWMB Seeking Model Legal Paper Waste Reduction Programs

The CA Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) is developing case
studies of exceptional  legal paper waste reduction programs in
three different sizes of law firms: large firm (over 100 attorneys);
small firm (20-50 attorneys); and a sole practitioner.  Gary Liss
& Associates is the contractor for this project.  

The CIWMB would like to identify one law firm in each size group that
have achieved significant reduction in paper use and disposal via
prevention and recycling, or that have used innovative techniques and
approaches to  reduce paper use and disposal. To nominate a law
firm as a candidate, or for more information, please contact Gary Liss at
916-652-7850 or gary@garyliss.com.

An ideal candidate would meet or exceed many of the proposed criteria
below:

• Annual  paper prevention/recycling rate of at least 50% (i.e., at least as much paper prevented or recycled as is disposed), or evidence that the program's approach could significantly contribute to helping other firms reach that goal).
• Cost-effectiveness of program (determined by analysis of program including costs, revenues, and net benefits to the firm).
• Use of latest technologies that reduce waste (e.g., latest in electronic communications, electronic filing, electronic research, and waste prevention techniques.)
• Adoption of  paper waste reduction policies and/or goals by upper management.
• Ease of program implementation and replicability by other firms.
• Ease of obtaining data in a timely fashion, including:
  •         Background reports, available via email or USPS mail within two weeks  of selection;
  •         Waste disposal and recycling weights/volumes and costs by firm.
  •         Paper purchases, including information about the recycled-content of the          paper.
• Program contact is knowledgeable about and has copies of information needed or knows how to get it.
• Program contact is computer literate, has e-mail availability, and is easily accessible by voice mail.

Gary Liss

916-652-7850

Fax: 916-652-0485