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Since the '70s I have used character sheets.  I would fill them out and when I gained a level, I would use an eraser and then a pencil and change the relevant information to reflect the new level's gains.  I very rarely ever had to replace a sheet.  Those times I did, were more often due to non game issues like sodas, pizzas and grubby gamer's kids.  Some of my characters played for up to 10 years, so I am not seeing the issue here.  I still have some of my sheets from the 1970's.

If you are the type who must use a fully printed out computer generated sheet, then duh, you are going to have to kill a tree every time your character levels.  That, or simply keep it all on the computer sparing the trees every time you level (If your DM is cool with that).

For those who find the idea of making new sheets an abomination, or want to keep their old characters around for a long time on the same sheet, try these tips to increase sheet life through the levels:

Use scotch tape and tape over the areas that will be erased the most, like hit points and such.  The tape increases the paper's strength and can take many erasings without wearing through.

Write with smudge resistant graphite and don't press down hard when you write (regardless of graphite used).  This makes it much easier to erase without creating nasty black smudges.

Use a clean eraser.  Seriously... this!

Don't use ink.  Amazing how many folks don't stop and think about this.

Have clean hands, and keep your hands and elbows off of it as much as possible.

Don't drool on it.  Don't spit on it or dribble food and drink on it.

For constantly changing information like the rise and fall of hit points, use a piece of scratch paper and not the sheet itself.  You can also use the next tip for this too.

Put your sheet in a clear plastic protector like mylar.  Use a vis-a vis erasable pen or such to keep track of damage on the mylar; that way the sheet is never actually touched until something permanently changes (as when gaining a level).

Keep it out of the hands of destructive or dirty people.  Only you and the DM ever need to see it.

Don't use your sheet as a place mat.  It is amazing how many players do this and wonder why their sheets look bad after a few sessions.

Don't roll dice on it.  Those little sharp edges and corners on the dice will create dents and tiny holes even if the sheet is protected in mylar.  Over time, those dents will collect dirt and the paper will soften and rip much earlier than it would if not subjected to the tenderizing process that repeated dice rolling produces.

Store the sheet in a book or folder to protect it when not in use.  Don't just throw it in the backpack or back seat of your car and expect it to be "pristine" the next time you see it.

When stored in a book or folder, make sure the edges of the sheet aren't sticking out to be shredded while in the backpack or when being stored.

Be a courteous player.  Your sheets will last longer if you don't anger those around you into tearing your sheet up in rage.

Don't trust your sheet to other players to hold and store for the week.  They will trash it or lose it guaranteed.  If the DM is one of those anal retentive types who insists on keeping the sheets, if he trashes it make him fix it.

Keep a copy if you can.  Even clean sheets can get lost.

Lastly and most important:  It is just a sheet or three or paper.  What is so tough about filling out a new one?  If you kept a copy (paper or digital) it is no issue.  And if you have your current and accurate sheet stored on the computer, how hard is it to hit "Print?"

I print out a new one every significant change .... why not.   

when i used to play on the table, i had to reprint my sheet very often, but mostly because i always end up loosing them =V

Outside of that, i only print a new one when i level up...minor stuff i just mark them on the sheet.  I still updated all the changed on the character builder after each session when i got home... (now i update on the character builder in real time, but it's because now i play online) 

Jul 30, 2012 -- 5:15PM, anjelika wrote:

I still have a couple of my characters in my primary character folder from '94, all on their original, hand-scrawled homemade sheets.

Y'all youngin's need to learn a bit about making things last.

(Now git off mah lawn!)

I have a cardboard box in my basement  that has character sheets in it older than you.

Jul 30, 2012 -- 5:19PM, Kishri wrote:

 We used Papyrus!

Well I considered mentioning the stone tablets but I have replaced them with ipads and lap tops.