It has never been more popular to be “green” and taking your company in an environmentally friendly direction when it comes to a company’s printing and copying practices is very beneficial and has never been easier. By using all or a few of these tips, you can boost your company’s environmental image while decreasing your environmental footprint.
1. It’s good practice to recycle, recycle, RECYCLE! Its always a good time to start; they say a little bit always helps.
2. Always use “print preview” before you print. It is easy to miss small mistakes, a quick check in print preview can save a whole run. Oftentimes we don’t notice these small mistakes in formatting or spelling until the job is printed.
3. Request files be proofed digitally instead of hard copies.
4. Minimize your page count. This can be done in a number of ways. Reduce margin space, using small (but still readable) fonts, and printing on both sides of the paper are a few ways.
5. If you have ink jet printers, have the cartridges refilled.
6. Print on recycled, chlorine free paper. Although 100% recycled paper might be too expensive, 30% is also available.
7. Set copiers and printers to go into standby mode after periods of downtime. Power down all machines before leaving at the end of the day.
8 .Paper-Use recycled or PCW (post consumer waste) paper. There are certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) that support sustainable forestry practices.
9 .Consider Alternative Substrates. Not all paper is made from trees, papers can be made from Cotton, Hemp and other more renewable plant sources or fibers.
10. Digital Printing, Instituting smaller quantity orders so obsolescence and waste are reduced.
Summary
It is never to late to start; as your company grows, your green initiative will “grow” with it. They say a little bit always helps, any steps we take in our businesses to better the planet we also better ourselves.
If you have any other questions or would like additional tips, feel free to email contact us.
