Printing Green

Top 10 Green Printing Tips

Post next to your print station and start greening today!

1. To Print or Not To Print? Do you actually need to print
that document? Could you use an electronic copy instead?

2. Share. Does everyone in the room need a copy? For
presentations, decide if sharing is an option.

3. Double Up. Reduce number of pages printed by printing on
both sides and/ or printing multiple pages on each side.

4. No Brainer. Use100% post-consumer recycled paper,
processed without the use of chlorine.

5. Draft First. Look on the printer and see if you can print on
“draft” or “fast” mode, which uses less ink. Use this mode for
all jobs that do not need to be “Final.”

6. Keep It Black & White. If you are printing draft versions of
a color document, consider printing only in black and white to
save color ink.

7. Reduce. Consider using software such as GreenPrint to
minimize the paper used by each print job.

8. Reuse. Try to buy remanufactured ink & toner cartridges.

9. Recycle. Always recycle your ink & toner cartridges.

10. Give Your Printer a Good Night’s Sleep. Power down
machines at the end of each day, as they continue to suck
energy even while in ‘standby’ mode.

For more tips visit, www.TheGreenOffice.com

Greening Your Break Room

1. Waste Not. Use real dishes, not disposable products. All you need is a sink, biodegradable soap, a biodegradable sponge, and a dish rack.

2. Get Your Hands (and Your Dishes) Clean. Hand-wash dishes instead of using a dishwasher to save energy.

3. If You Must. If your only option is to use disposable flatware, cups or cutlery, look for sustainable products, especially compostable ones. Avoid Styrofoam products; consider Bagasse (reclaimed sugarcane fiber) products instead.

4. Make Yourself at Home. Have everyone bring in their own mug from home, or purchase reusable mugs, cups, cutlery, plates and bowls.

5. Get Used. When it comes to products, the greenest choice is to use something that’s already been created. It’s also usually cheaper, so look to buy used equipment, from plates to fridges.

6. Buy ENERGY STAR. If you must buy new appliances, look for energy efficient ones, especially those that are ENERGY STAR certified.

7. Lose the Baggage. Cut down on needless packaging. Purchase snacks & beverages in bulk rather than individual packages.

8. Turn Paper into Trees—Recycle & Compost. Put compost and recycle bins in your break room. Trust us, once your office starts doing it, your employees will love it. Just throw compost in small green containers lined with Biobags and empty them frequently.

9. Skip the Water Cooler. If you don’t like your tap water, consider a water filter in the fridge instead of a water cooler or individual bottled water. This one will save you a ton of money too!

10. Unplug the Energy Hogs. Plug all the non-fridge appliances, such as the microwave, coffee maker/grinder, toaster, etc. into a power strip (surge protector) so that you can switch their power off at the end of the day. Appliances plugged in, even if not in use, still use energy.

For more tips, visit www.TheGreenOffice.com.