Most recently, we've been hearing a lot about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in board meetings and corporate governance documents, as well as in webinars, news articles, and blogs.

In 2006, the United Nations mentioned ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues in the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) report. The report emphasized the need to consider ESG criteria when evaluating companies financially. The effort was intended to mark a significant step towards promoting sustainable investments.

Many companies now see environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters as a significant board-level concern - not only due to ethical and regulatory compliance but also because customers and potential customers are increasingly requesting a focus on these issues.

In the last few years, companies and individuals have been increasingly interested in finding ways to protect the environment. People are increasingly concerned about what global societies and individuals can do to contribute to a healthier planet.

Utilizing digital transformation is a key way to tackle important ESG issues. An excellent real-world example of digitalization benefiting both the environment and business performance is the shift towards a paperless office. And there are no better tools than electronic signatures to do this effectively.

So, let's dive in to discover the role of electronic signatures in promoting the green initiative and the environmental impact of eSignatures.

What Is an Electronic Signature?

An electronic signature is like your regular signature, but it's in electronic form. It allows people to show their approval or agreement with a document, similar to using pen and paper. Electronic signatures use computers to verify the person signing and ensure the document is intact.

Digital signatures, on the other hand, are a specific kind of electronic signature. They use complex algorithms, certificate authorities (CAs), and trust service providers (TSPs) to confirm the signer's identity and ensure the document hasn't been tampered with.

Like a Regular Signature but Better…

Digital signatures outshine their traditional ink counterparts. They're quick, portable, and legally valid, and they also reduce environmental damage. Moreover, they frequently use technology safeguards to guarantee the signature's authenticity.

• Instant, user-friendly, and fail-safe

  Digital signatures speed up the approval and agreement process by removing unnecessary delays. When using electronic signatures, there's no need to wait for mail delivery or make a trip to hand-deliver documents. As soon as you add your electronic signature to a document, you can proceed to the next step without any unnecessary waiting time.

  Using electronic signatures also simplifies the process of signing documents. Because electronic signature tools are portable, you can sign or ask for signatures from almost anywhere globally using your preferred device. There's no need to go through the hassle of printing, signing, scanning, and then submitting your document again. Plus, you won't have to invest in a fax machine just to send and receive signed documents.

  Moreover, as electronic signature platforms require all signature fields to be completed before document submission, minor errors won't escalate into significant issues.

• Legally Binding

  Digital signatures hold the same legal weight as traditional ink signatures. Back in 2000, the U.S. introduced the E-Sign Act, officially stating that electronic signatures carry the same legal authority as signatures made with a pen. Most states have also embraced the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), giving the green light to electronic signatures. However, it's essential to note that certain documents, like wills, still require a physical signature and cannot be signed electronically.

• Environment Friendly

  The process of printing, scanning, and faxing just to create an electronic signature is not just a hassle, but it also takes up time and harms the environment. Every gadget you buy adds to your overall carbon footprint. Simplifying your workflow by using fewer devices is not only more efficient but also better for the planet. The same applies to the trees cut down for the paper used in hardcopy documents. Choosing a greener approach helps save time and reduces your environmental impact.

Paperless Offices - Promoting a Green and Sustainable Practice for the Future

Embracing ethical and sustainable business practices benefits people, the planet, and your business. Prioritizing values such as diversity, healthiness, transparency, and taking care of the environment can help your company attract and keep talented individuals, build strong customer loyalty, stay on top of government regulations, and contribute to economic well-being and market growth. Moreover, these values often come with practices that improve business efficiency, agility, and productivity.

As per research from Unilever, around one-third of people worldwide prefer buying from brands they think positively impact social or environmental issues. Another study reveals that a whopping 87% of individuals are inclined to purchase products from companies supporting causes they care about. Additionally, 76% mentioned they'd avoid buying from companies that don't align with their values on specific issues.

Adopting a paperless office approach may be one of the most practical ways to help both the environment and business efficiency. Going paperless benefits the environment by reducing paper usage in business processes and improving overall business performance.

Many companies are embracing this eco-friendly practice for good reasons. Paper can be costly, inefficient, and increasingly unnecessary with the rise of user-friendly digital alternatives. Conversely, using paperless software significantly cuts expenses and lessens your environmental impact.

Going Green: The Traditional Paper Trail's Eco-Adventure

Looking at it from an eco-friendly perspective, cutting down on paper usage helps protect trees and saves the energy used to turn those trees into paper and transport paper goods. About 1 billion trees' equivalent of paper gets discarded annually in the U.S.

The making of paper is a significant factor in causing harm to the environment. It releases harmful substances like sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, leading to problems like acid rain, greenhouse gases, and water pollution. About 26% of the waste in landfills comes from thrown-away paper and cardboard, as reported by The World Counts. Moreover, when paper breaks down, it produces methane gas, which is way more harmful than carbon dioxide, about 25 times over.

Embracing a paperless approach brings significant eco-friendly advantages and benefits businesses. Traditional paper methods also consume expensive space. A filing cabinet of nine square feet can store around 10,000 documents, equivalent to what an average office worker uses annually. Moreover, the paper usage of a typical business increases by about 22% each year, doubling paper consumption within just four years. The transition to a paperless system supports the environment and makes good business sense by saving space and resources.

By incorporating a paperless system for handling documents in your business operations, you can enjoy cost savings in various areas. This approach enhances efficiency by making essential business processes smoother and faster. Managing digital documents is not only easier but also more secure compared to handling paper documents.

As per a study, workers in education and health services can save around 7,049,175 pine trees by switching from paper to digital documents. Additionally, individuals in professional and business services could collectively save a whopping 59,428,600,000 sheets of paper.

So, here's to embracing the digital shift to eSignatures for a greener future - where every click saves trees and fosters sustainability.

DrySign eSignatures - Transition from Paper to PDF

Transitioning from using traditional pen and paper to a digitalized workflow brings numerous advantages for sustainability and accessibility. Shifting to a digital format enhances how individuals engage with content, promoting efficiency and fairness in the process.

DrySign is revolutionizing how businesses handle documents by offering a seamless transition from traditional paper-based processes to efficient digital workflows. With its user-friendly online platform, DrySign enables easy and secure electronic signatures, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. It accelerates document turnaround times and reduces costs associated with printing and storage.

DrySign also ensures the authenticity of signatures and provides a legally binding solution for businesses. Its intuitive interface allows users to sign documents anywhere, facilitating a smooth and flexible workflow. Embrace the convenience, efficiency, and eco-friendliness of DrySign as your go-to solution for a paperless future.

It's a wrap!

Due to the pandemic, many businesses had to start using eSignature and workflow automation tools to stay connected with their customers when everything was locked down. According to research, since COVID-19 came into the picture, there's been a 50% increase in businesses using eSignature and a 13% growth in individual users. Looking ahead, even after the pandemic, 69% of the people surveyed plan to stick with eSignature instead of signing in person.

This digital tool ensures seamless operations during challenging times and offers a more efficient and convenient way to handle transactions in the long run.

Start eSigning with DrySign!

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing the subject matter may change quickly and Exela cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. Should you have specific legal questions about any of the information on this site, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your area.

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Oceans cover 71% of our planet's surface. Oceans are crucial for the sustenance of livelihood, and it is the collective responsibility of every business and every individual to heal the very damage we have inflicted on Mother Nature. Human beings are moving at a superfast pace towards advancements and innovations. These very innovations have now unambiguously proven that the oceans run our climate system by regulating temperatures and driving weather patterns. It is evident that similar to the sun, our oceans act as the primary source that feeds the lakes, rivers, streams, and rainforests – all of which are sustainable sources imperative for life on the earth. Here are a few latest statistics on how our oceans are vital:

• Oceans hold 97% of water available on Planet Earth.
• Marine plants contribute 50% of the oxygen we need to breathe.
• The ocean is the world’s most significant economic asset, estimated to be worth $24 trillion.

We know how valuable the ocean is to us. Let us now glance at the unprecedented damage we have caused to our oceans:

• Every year, over 100 million marine animals lose their lives due to the smallest plastic waste particles.
• Around 60% of seabird species are forecasted to have eaten pieces of plastic, and the number is to increase to 99% by 2050.
• Fish residing in the North Pacific ingest 12,000-24,000 tons of plastic each year, which is likely to cause intestinal injury and death. The waste particles are transferred to human bodies through the food chain and can be life-threatening.
• Over 800 marine and coastal species are affected by underwater pollution.
• Around 11 million tons of plastic waste ends up in oceans annually, anticipated to triple by 2040.

Experts say the world population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, which means we need more food sources. The ocean is one of the most significant sources of food for the livelihood of the earth. However, the toxins and chemicals released in this precious life source by us continue to bio accumulate up the food chain, increasing concentration with each predator, finally reaching us at the top of the food chain.

The average global seafood consumption has increased by around 20.5k kilograms per capita.

Scientists worldwide have predicted that healthier oceans can provide six times more food than they do today. There are countless studies and scientific predictions that demonstrate that human-induced ocean warming is increasing the sea level, already wreaking havoc on coastal and inland communities.

Day by day and year after year, these disturbing facts are becoming common knowledge and urge us to look for new ways of ocean conservation. World Oceans Day is around the corner. The theme for 2022, “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean”, focuses on protecting at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030. With the focus on Environment Health, it is also an apt occasion to contribute to the betterment of nature.

What Do Businesses Have To Do With Ocean Protection?

Every business directly or indirectly affects the ocean. In fact, over 80% of ocean pollution is caused by land-based activities. Whether you are a Banking and Insurance Firm or a Fashion Store, a few unavoidable activities make you a contributor to the slow destruction of our oceans. Unfortunately, some ordinary, conventional methods, such as the use of pen, paper, ink, folders, plastic, etc., are so ingrained in the way we do business that most times, we are unaware of the impact we have. It also makes us question that do global businesses not care about the planet, or is it the profit and loss that is the cause of the ignorance? And, what if there were truly more affordable options that allowed businesses to be more eco-friendly?

Things are changing, however! Consumer behavior is changing rapidly, with the average consumer looking for sustainable goods, and companies looking to function in the greenest way possible. This has, naturally, forced corporations to respond. Not just in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, fashion, and food sectors but even in banking, insurance, finance, and other essential industries. Today’s customer prefers to take their business to a company that is more tuned to the environment and is willing to make little tweaks to do their bit.

The Economist Intelligence Unit recently released a study showing that issues of nature loss and biodiversity are gaining more traction online than ever before—and that an eco-wakening is underway.

With the knowledge that the consumer prefers an environment-friendly business and the possibility of a higher profit if you go green, a business can make small changes to the way they work – changes that may seem insignificant but have a significant impact on business and the environment.

4 Ways Businesses Can Contribute to a Better and Healthier Ocean

• Go Paperless

The increasing temperatures of the ocean and the melting of the Arctic are global problems. It is a challenging task to halt this climate change completely, but not contributing to it is the least we can do for the health of our oceans. According to the environmental advocacy group The World Counts, the global production of paper and cardboard amounted to 420,000,000 tons of carbon in 2021. This year alone, 175,328,429 tons of paper have been produced globally. If every organization decided to go paperless and use digital documents, can you imagine the direct impact we could have on the environment?

It is estimated that e-signing documents can save 837 tons of paper per year!

• Skip single-use plastic

Plastic waste is the new cancer of the ocean. Single-use plastic used in businesses, such as pens, refills, files, plastic bags, folders, and many more, can destroy ecosystems and jeopardize marine life. Items like pens and refills contain toxic materials such as lead, which ends up in landfills, waterways, rivers, and oceans, causing unprecedented damage to aquatic life. Since this single-use plastic is not biodegradable it takes more than 1,000 years to decompose. If swallowed by a sea creature, the plastic is re-released back into the ocean after the creature is dead and decomposed. In this way, the material continues harming more wildlife for hundreds of years.

Over 8 million tons of plastic are emptied into the ocean each year.

Once again, using digital documents and e-signatures can help you drastically reduce the amount of single-use plastic used in daily workflows: no pens, no refills, no plastic folders, and no printing cartridges. You can create, sign, and manage electronic documents from anywhere, anytime, on any device, without the need for pen and paper.

• Reduce Fuel Consumption

How much fuel would you save if you just signed that company document online instead of driving down to your partner’s office? Food for thought, isn’t it?

According to a survey, the ocean has absorbed 90% of the excess heat created by burning fossil fuels. This not only led to the bleaching of coral reefs but also changed weather events, sped up sea-level rise, and changed the way marine species reproduce. Going digital would not only reduce the need to travel and transport, but it will also drastically reduce the need for storage space. For example, instead of printing an entire 13-page agreement or contract, you can easily send it via an e-signature platform and have it saved online for instant access.

Also Read :  ‘Invest In Our Planet’ by Embracing E-signatures!

• Get Involved

Your business can get involved in several ways to promote strategies that can prove beneficial in the fight to restore our oceans. Contact your local authorities and educate yourself and your teams to be more ocean-responsible. You can also request your partners, co-workers, and clients to choose eco-friendly ways of doing business by choosing e-signatures, digital documents, energy efficiency, etc.

Small, effective changes in your business can help you establish your company’s pledge to sustainability without sacrificing your profits. In fact, going digital can help you save more!

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If every business starts supporting and contributing to ocean health, we can collectively move towards building a sustainable future. Working towards a healthier ocean is not only good for the flora and fauna beneath the water, but also for the rest of us living on the planet. This World Oceans Day, let’s drive the change we want to see. Going paperless is challenging but not impossible! Many organizations have already incorporated e-signatures and have begun seeing results! If you still have questions about e-signatures, feel free to connect with us. Go Digital and do your part. Start DrySigning today!

Sources: eiuperspectives.economist.com | forbes.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing the subject matter may change quickly, and Exela cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. Should you have specific legal questions about any of the information on this site, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your area.

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4.543 billion years! Earth has been around for over these many years, and we have managed to cause an unprecedented level of damage to the environment in a mere century. With rampant exploitation of natural resources, production of too much waste, and air and water pollution, we are steadily reaching the point where there is no return, unknowingly leading the path to the final destruction of our home planet. Almost every day, another research finding, news story, or environmental-related disaster piles more evidence on the reality that our planet is in crisis. It is a well-known yet disturbing fact that needs to be acknowledged on an immediate basis. All of us, on an individual basis, try to do our bit for the planet, whether it is recycling waste, reducing the use of plastic, etc. But the businesses out there impact our environment the most. The paper usage numbers today are staggering. According to Statista, the global paper consumption was 399 million metric tons in 2020, which is foreseen to increase steadily over the next decade to over 461 million metric tons in 2030. A report says 70% of the total waste in offices comprises paper. If every organization decided to go paperless, a significant amount of damage caused to the earth could be recovered. If your organization is looking to contribute to reducing the damage, make a simple change; ditch paper and go digital!

With Earth Day around the corner, several businesses are trying to be more sustainable with more environment-friendly options and reduced paper consumption. The year 2022 commemorates the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. Every year on April 22, people around the globe mobilize to address some of the most urgent threats concerning our environment, such as climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, and many more. This is the time to drive a change to preserve and protect our planet. Following this year’s Earth Day theme, we must #InvestInOurPlanet! Dive into this blog to discover the alarming facts about our environment and ways we could contribute to Earth Day this year.

Go green!

Organizations are increasingly embracing digital solutions to combat the effects of current and future challenges. As businesses play a significant role in producing paper waste, there is undoubtedly a need to adopt digitization. One of the most compelling and convenient ways to reduce this paper waste is to digitize document signing. Digital signatures or electronic signatures not only allow remote signing, but also facilitate a greater impact on our environment. Incorporating e-signatures in your business operations helps our planet in the following ways:

Also Read: Financial Literacy: Why It Is Important and How e-Signatures Can Help?

• Reduce paper waste

The U.S. is the second-largest paper-producing country in the world. Moreover, it is the world’s largest consumer of paper! According to a survey, pulp and paper are the third-largest air, water, and land polluters among all industries in the U.S. The paper and pulp industry that makes products such as tissue, office and catalog paper, glossy paper, and paper-based packaging uses around 33-40% of all industrial wood traded globally. Moreover, Americans use about 31.5 million tons of printing and writing paper each year, equal to 660 pounds per person. It requires 535 million trees and 12 billion gallons of oil to be processed.

According to research, the surveyed institutions have used 5,200 reams (13 tons) of 80gm A4 size paper in one year with the economic cost of 7,800 OMR (20,280 US$). The environmental impact of this paper consumption is estimated at 312 trees felled, 144,742 KWh of energy consumption, 73,970 lbs. of CO2 gas emission, 29,614 lbs. of solid waste produced, and 247975 gallons of water wasted. Not to mention the adverse effect on the wildlife that these trees sustained. Switching to more environment-friendly preferences could save a significant amount of economic and environmental resources. Embracing digital signatures in day-to-day operations, various departments of organizations and educational institutions can save a considerable amount of paper waste. DrySign provides digital signatures for all of your needs, which are compliant with the e-signature laws and are a secure way to sign documents digitally. Start DrySigning and go paperless to save our planet.

• Curb deforestation

In 2021, 9,541,559 hectares of forest were cut down or burned globally, which has a whopping 11.3% contribution to global emissions. Deforestation is one of the most substantial challenges our planet faces today. This is also a massive issue for us humans; after all, trees produce oxygen. Furthermore, deforestation destroys the habitats of our animals and threatens their very existence; it’s projected that up to 28,000 species could vanish in the next 25 years if deforestation continues. By 2030, we might only have 10% of rainforests left, and it can all disappear in a hundred years.

93% of paper comes from trees. If your organization is still reliant on paper for administration, your business inadvertently contributes to mass deforestation. Going paperless would not only help reduce paper waste but will help safeguard our forests and the biodiversity within. Moreover, digitizing your operations is going to help you keep up with the current market trends and thrive in the market. Businesses can actively put a curb on paper wastage using e-signature systems and aid our environment to breathe better. Start your paperless journey today with DrySign electronic signatures and do your bit to curb deforestation.

• Reduce pollution

No matter how hard you seem to try, single-use plastic products are constantly in circulation for daily and mundane objects, and they cause severe environmental consequences. Right from pens to stationery, plastic is everywhere. You throw the pen away whenever you run out of ink, unknowingly polluting your household, work areas, and school, just like plastic bags and straws. Disposable plastic pens and refills contain toxic materials such as lead that eventually end up in waterways, landfills, and rivers, causing an unprecedented level of damage to the natural reserves and aquatic life. Every year, we produce approximately 300 million tonnes of plastic waste, which is nearly equivalent to the weight of the entire human population. About 75 to 199 million tonnes of plastic is currently found in our oceans. These stats are enough for us to wake up, ditch plastic usage right away and attempt to save our planet. We have already started seeing the hostile effects of plastic on our environment and human bodies. It’s time for us to do our bit and use more environment-friendly options in businesses, schools, and households. E-signature solutions help you ditch this traditional pen and paper method. DrySign’s digital signatures provide a vast range of features and benefits that might be an add-on to your initiative to go green.

From school admission forms to insurance and banking documents, you can sign it all with DrySign!

• Minimize greenhouse gas emissions

Paper and pulp industries produce 100 million kgs of harmful contaminants like H2S, CIO2, CO, and SO2 every year. In addition, a typical passenger vehicle emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, which can vary based on a vehicle’s fuel, fuel economy, and the number of miles driven per year.

Burning one gallon of gasoline emits 8,887 grams of CO2, and burning one gallon of diesel emits 10,180 grams of CO2. On top of that, it is estimated that the average passenger vehicle emits around 404 grams of CO2 per mile. If your organization is using transportation services to travel, send, or receive documents, you are an active contributor to multiplying the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change, wildfires, droughts, extreme weather conditions, and a lot more. An important use of paper is to produce essential contracts and agreements for business purposes. Business individuals need to travel to complete a deal or sign important documents or agreements in multiple instances. Electronic signatures help you sign these documents digitally and securely manage electronic records. Using e-signatures would save a lot of time spent traveling and reduce harmful emissions from vehicles. DrySign provides legally binding and secure electronic signatures that can easily be used to sign essential business agreements or contracts.

Why choose DrySign for your #InvestInOurPlanet initiative?

• DrySign empowers individuals to go paperless.
• Using DrySign electronic signatures, you can save printing and postal costs.
• DrySign E-signatures improve the overall speed of contract or agreement execution.
• You can self-sign necessary documents and manage an electronic record to streamline your future signing experience.
• Intelligent dashboard to keep you updated about your contract and agreement process.
• Using the Group Sign feature, you can request signatures from multiple signatories with DrySign.
• DrySign electronic signatures are flexible and can be seamlessly integrated with other products that require digital signatures.
• DrySign is suitable for businesses, including SMEs, Government and non-Government institutions, and individuals.
• DrySign e-signatures are legally compliant with e-signature laws and provide a password-protected, secure signing experience.

The well-known and alarming yet often ignored facts in this blog can help us understand where we are heading. All our day-to-day operations and habits cause severe damage to Mother Earth. It is our responsibility to keep our surroundings toxin-free. Small changes in our old habits could contribute to recovering the damage we have caused to our planet. It’s never too late to start; do your bit in helping our planet by digitizing your operations and embracing DrySign e-signatures today. Check out our plans here.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing the subject matter may change quickly, and Exela cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. Should you have specific legal questions about any of the information on this site, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your area.

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Nature is the core element that helps us survive; it provides oxygen, regulates weather patterns, and produces our food, feed, and fiber. When speaking of biological diversity, one often limits the scope to a variety of animals, plants, and microorganisms. However, biological diversity is far more than this. For instance, combinations of crops and breeds of livestock; varieties of ecosystems, i.e., lakes, deserts, forests, and agricultural landscape; humans, plants, and animals – everything matters while considering biodiversity. Biological resources act as the pillars upon which we build civilizations and can be grouped into those that affect agriculture, those that are sources of scientific inputs, and those that provide natural goods and services.

Human beings, however, have managed to cause an unprecedented level of damage to nature and this planet. Human activity has altered nearly 75% of the earth’s surface, pushing wildlife and nature into an ever-smaller corner of the earth. We collectively fail to understand that this damage can only cause danger to our health and quality of life.

With the widespread COVID-19 virus, it is evident that this scale of biodiversity loss can and will increase the chances of such zoonosis or diseases transmitted from animals to humans.

On the other hand, if we change today to keep our biodiversity intact, we just may have a fighting chance against such diseases in the future.

The choice is ours! The future is in our hands now, and our every move counts in this game of climate change! May 22nd was observed as International Biodiversity Day – there is no better opportunity to show our affection toward nature. So, let’s do our part for a better and sustainable future.

International Day of Biological Diversity 2022

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of pressing biodiversity issues. Despite all the technological advancements, we rely on a healthy and vibrant ecosystem for our food, water, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter, and energy, among other things. For all our issues related to weather, health, nutrition, water security, and sustainable livelihood, biodiversity is the foundation that can help us rebuild better. Healthy biodiversity remains the answer to numerous sustainable development challenges. The International Day of Biological Diversity this year was celebrated under the theme: “Building a shared future for all life.” The slogan was selected to continue building momentum and support the post-2020 global biodiversity framework to be embraced at the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference COP15.

Also Read: ‘Invest In Our Planet’ by Embracing E-signatures!

Go paperless!

Among the numerous things we can do to protect nature, perhaps the most significant contribution would be going paperless. Going paperless, especially in a business, can also save several overhead costs. While it may not be possible for everyone to avoid frequent traveling for work purposes, reducing office waste, recycling plastic waste, reducing energy consumption, or investing in water harvesting, the one thing we all can easily do is restricting the usage of paper in our daily office use.

Traditional working habits die hard. The image of paperless offices has been a dream for decades now, but the average office worker still uses over 10,000 sheets of paper in a year.

The paper industry cuts down 20 trees to produce one metric ton of paper, and all these trees combined could absorb up to 0.5 tons of carbon dioxide annually from the atmosphere. The paper production process consumes 6.7 million liters of water and produces 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide per metric ton of paper produced. To be precise, roughly a net of 2 tons of carbon dioxide emits for each ton of copy paper. Yet, 65% of businesses globally still use pen and paper to collect signatures for operations, which can have dire environmental consequences if continued.

Moving from the traditional pen and paper method to digital documents is a very critical step in an organization’s digital transformation journey. Fear of failure and the unknown tends to intimidate many organizations. But this is the time to do our bit for future betterment and being catalysts for change. If stakeholders and business executives are fully aligned and invested in driving the change, the initiative is already on the verge of success. Organizations must create a roadmap and define policies to succeed in their first step toward paperless offices. The move toward a paperless world is rife with benefits for any business, particularly those highly reliant on forms and contracts. These businesses include healthcare, law firms, insurance companies, financial services, and the government. Below are the benefits of embracing digital documents and signatures, replacing the traditional paper documents and signatures:

• Save money spent on papers and pens and a tremendous amount of storage space.
• Streamline and fast-track critical business operations and processes.
• Make document access faster and easier.
• Sign documents from any location, any time.
• Reduce time and cost associated with editing, formatting, and redistributing documents and forms to get them signed.
• Manage electronic records easily for further signing requirements.
• Use any device or browser to sign documents electronically.
• Protect documents from getting lost, stolen, tampered with, or destroyed.
• Get a more secure and end-to-end encrypted signing experience.
• Cut down on approval cycles.
• Enhance the security of confidential data.
• Improve client and employee experience.

How to go paperless with electronic signatures?

The pace of digitization is skyrocketing everywhere in the world. Irrespective of your business, age, sector, or educational background, digital documents are transforming the way we operate. Using digital documents and electronic signatures to sign essential agreements, forms, or contracts is becoming a new normal with the increase in remote working scenarios. Discover the ways you can cut down on paper usage.

• Businesses

The ever-growing market has forced organizations to keep up with the market trends and meet customer demands. Businesses deal with numerous clients, employees, other workforces, and myriad data associated with all of them. Manually managing all this data, sending or receiving documents to get them signed, and providing a hassle-free customer experience are tedious tasks that might turn into revenue loss. Moreover, the paper consumption in all the business processes becomes overwhelming. E-signatures can turn this situation upside down; it makes it easy to sign critical agreements or contracts remotely, hire new employees, salary and insurance rollout, manage sales processes, and provide customer satisfaction. Using electronic records makes it easy to manage overwhelming data. Moreover, it can reduce paper usage.

• Students

Student life starts with paper and ends with a piece of paper; from books and application forms to job applications, paper usage is an indispensable part of a student’s life. If schools and colleges try to reduce paper usage by embracing digital means, we can cut down on paper usage and also instill paperless workflows in our students from an early stage. Students can use electronic signatures to sign admissions forms, job application forms, bank loan forms, scholarships, etc.

• Individuals and senior citizens

Are signatures only limited to businesses and institutions? Of course not! Any individual, irrespective of age, can leverage e-signatures to perform daily tasks. Senior citizens are often asked to be physically present to sign documents or forms related to their pension, healthcare, insurance, etc. Even simple and daily activities include using paper in large amounts, which can only be reduced by embracing electronic signatures. Individuals and senior citizens can use e-signatures to sign their insurance forms, file income tax returns, healthcare documents, banking forms, etc.

If everyone, including individuals, students, businesses, and senior citizens, started using electronic documents for personal or business needs, the amount of paper we will save and indirectly reduced the rate of deforestation would certainly make a dent in the collapsing biodiversity of our planet. Your every move counts in the protection of our biodiversity, and now is the time to make this move!

DrySign e-signatures provide an electronic signature platform for everyone who aims to reduce paper consumption. We are already doing our bit for nature; it’s high time you invest in nature too! Your every step matters in the game of climate change. So, choose wisely and start DrySigning!

Sources: pca.state.mn.us | medium.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing the subject matter may change quickly, and Exela cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. Should you have specific legal questions about any of the information on this site, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your area.

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