Apparatus and method for a power-saving shredder, including motorized shredder blades; a shredder controller coupled to the motor controller; a timer coupled to the motor controller, and a mechanically-actuated switch (GREEN SWITCH) couples to the shredder controller. The GREEN SWITCH causes the shredder controller, the motor controller, the motorized shredder blades, and the timer to be activated. The Normally Off switch, when deactuated, causes motorized shredder blades to deactivate. A method of operating a paper shredder includes operating a mechanical actuation switch ON; applying power to paper shredder electrical and electronic elements by operating the mechanical actuation switch; setting a timer for a predetermined active period; operating motorized paper shredder blades by operating the mechanical actuation switch ON; operating the mechanical actuation switch OFF; counting by the timer the predetermined active period; and if the predetermined active period has expired, removing power from the paper shredder electrical and electronic elements.