I was helping a VWO with its annual mailrun to its sponsors to request donations.

The letter to be sent out was several pages long, and printed on a single side.

I asked whether the letters could be printed double-sided, as this could halve the amount of paper needed.

The reply I was given was that the VWO has received feedback in the past that single-sided letters appeared more professional, and thus more appealing to the corporate sponsors.

The reply made me recall that in the past when I had to present proposals, I was also told that formal documents should be printed on a single side. It seems that this opinion is fairly widespread, and if we are able to change this mindset, we would be able to save up to half the paper that we use.

In addition, while commercial companies might not be very receptive to requests for a reduction in mailing pamphlets or letters, I am sure that VWOs will listen to their donors.

If all donors, whether corporate or individual, signalled their willingness to receive donation requests printed on both sides or even through e-mail, I am sure the VWOs will be able to have a lot of savings on paper and printing costs, as well as help conserve limited resources.

Tan Hau Teck