15 Sep How to Go Green With Your Printing Practices
Going green seems to be on everyone’s minds recently, whether it’s homeowners investing in solar panels or business owners looking for ways to make their printing practices more sustainable. As a business, your printer is an essential piece of office equipment, but it can lead to lots of wasted paper, time, and resources. That doesn’t mean you have to get rid of printing altogether. There are plenty of steps you can take to go green at work and still enjoy bright, crisp printed materials.
Choose ‘Green’ Paper
Green paper isn’t actually green – but it does have the ‘Go Green’ stamp of approval somewhere on its external packaging. This logo means that the paper was created from a blend of recycled paper, post consumer fibers, and new pulp sourced from sustainable forests. Paper that is completely recycled may not actually be as sustainable, since these forests are essential for cleansing the atmosphere and maintaining local ecosystems. When you buy ‘Go Green’ paper, you’re making the best possible choice for your business and for the environment.
Recycle or Lease
Did you know that many parts of your printer can be recycled in addition to the paper it prints on? It is possible to recycle things like parts, paper waste, and ink cartridges. These practices are one of the many things you can do for the environment. Of course, if you are leasing your printer, you don’t have to worry about recycling – and leasing may actually be the more sustainable option, since you’re not purchasing another printer off the market. With leasing, you can be certain that your printer will still be of use to someone else when you’re done with it, rather than ending up in a landfill.
Sustainable Inks
Some printer inks contain harmful chemicals that contribute to environmental damage. However, there are several alternative options for ink that will produce similar results to standard printer ink. For example, many inks can be made with soy or other materials derived from agricultural products. These inks contain low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are less likely to damage the environment than the compounds in traditional ink.
Good Printing Habits
While at work, encourage your employees to practice good printing habits and lead by example. Some of the steps you can take include only printing when absolutely necessary, unplugging your printer when not in use to reduce your energy usage, and printing on both sides of your paper. In addition, you don’t have to replace your ink cartridges when they warn you about low levels. Generally, there is still about a quarter of the ink left in the cartridge. Wait until the cartridge is actually empty before you replace it.
Contact Arizona Business Equipment Today!
Arizona Business Equipment offers the latest in printing technology, including models that are more energy efficient and sustainable. We offer both printers for sale and printers for rent, as well as professional maintenance and repair services, in the Tucson area. Get in touch with us today to learn more or to schedule your service!