If you received a mail one day from higher management saying that your team is consuming too much office supplies(ink, paper, pens...)

B & D

D- Informing higher management that the amount of office supplies should be increased gradually to meet the needs of the team members to avoid any conflict with other departments.

We cannot blame the staff for such things as it is the duty of the management to supply stationary adequately....at the same time may informally intimate your staff members to reduce wastage, if any, to control a bit more to reduce the overhead expenses as a policy initiation from higher-ups.  

D- Informing higher management that the amount of office supplies should be increased gradually to meet the needs of the team members to avoid any conflict with other departments.

C - Ask copy of the report first so that you know where you stand, from there then you can act accordingly.

B

My Response will be in the form of a thorough report which will contain:

1. Current / Situation Analysis and Statistical Data: This will include brief information about the core requirements, number of employees in the department, resources available, amount of various office supplies being used to offer a clear view of the current situation.

2. Actions taken in Response to the Management's Request:

Start buying recycled paper, Instruct department employees to print using both sides of the paper, Print using lowest ink settings to save toner/ink and  minimizing costs, setup a reusable office supplies station in the department, Introduce energy conservation schemes for utilizing office machines, lighting etc, setup company standard products from a supplier who is competitive on all products, standardize your office equipment which would utilize compatible printer/copier catridges/toners. Additionally a good manager should keep track of the ordering habits to cut down on un necessary expenditures.

I will first ask for a complete report of what my team has consumed. If I see the quantities consumed are reasonable taking in mind my team's activities, I will  then go for (B) explaining to the management that these quantities are what we need. But at the other hand, I will highlight this with my team to find ways to reduce  our consumption.

C. Because i believe without proper communication with top management about the issue , we cannot resolve the conflict.

so firstly i would investigate the things and try to resolve with some better alternatives

B

None of the listed actions . 

This kind of warnings can be done in other departments maybe  . 

As a marketing manager , I know well that this kind of warnings absolutely demotivate marketing teams . 

So , I would take  all responsibility , would measure and calculate the total value added to the company by my team . Then I would compare this value ( brand awareness level , new brand buildings , repositioned brands by my team , increased sales , profit ratio , market share , customer acquisition and customer retention levels , efficiency level of marketing events ...every added value )  with the  consumed office supplies ...With that much  added value to the company , the consumption of office supplies should not be pronounced to a marketing manager I believe . 

A strategy-minded company would not  do this kind of small calculations . 

C and D. Even though C would present you as a less knowledgable leader that doesn't really control the process.