I have kids, and so it probably goes without saying that I have paper. Notebook paper. Computer printer paper. Construction paper. Wrapping paper they’ve saved from gifts because it’s “so cool” and they “might want to make something with it.”

I’m all about creativity. I am. But I am somewhat less about creativity when an hour’s silence means I walk into a scene where my kids have decided to “play school” and write reports… for all twenty stuffed animals and dolls attending. And when they clean out school cubbies and bring home sheaves of completed work. Sometimes it looks like The Great Tree Massacre happened up in one of their rooms, and then what? Do I let them keep each and every masterpiece (taking up space, increasing clutter) or do I throw away the mess under cover of darkness (bemoaning the wastefulness of it all)?

I’ve done both. Frankly, I’m not happy with either choice.

So I’m thinking about ways to cut down on our paper consumption. Apparently I can do away with envelopes via Letterfu—which is very cool—but I couldn’t tell you the last time I sent a paper letter, so that may not be saving us much paper.

I’m also eying this little set, thinking that perhaps the kids might enjoy recycling their own paper into… more paper.

Something has to change. What are your great ideas for taking iddy biddy steps to reduce paper waste?