April 22 marks another Earth Day, and there could be no better time to make the commitment for your company to print greener in the name of corporate responsibility. To help you get started, here are six simple steps to transition your workplace to a more sustainable, eco-friendly office.
Conduct a Print Environment Assessment – The reason many companies have delayed making the move to greener printing is because there are just so many hours in a workweek, and even fewer dollars in the budget. With tight margins and the competitive nature of business, focusing on sustainability is too often a nice idea that most organizations don’t have the resources for. Conducting a thorough print environment assessment will serve to not only make your office place more eco-friendly, but more cost-efficient as well.
Consider Outsourcing – No matter the size of your business, outsourcing the management of your print devices to a third party provider is often the best solution for your print needs. Outsourced print management through an office technology provider such as Golden Gate Office Solutions ensures you have the latest in green printing solutions while monitoring and controlling usage at the same time.
Think Digital – An honest print environment assessment often reveals your business “uses digital” but doesn’t “think digital.” Facilitating this may be as simple as making email your primary means of communication rather than relying on paper memos.
Replace and Consolidate – Print devices that meet environmental certifications will lower your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Replace older, inefficient devices with modern, ENERGY STAR-compliant machines. Multi-function printers can replace a handful of other single-function device such as printers, copiers, and fax machines. These will pay for themselves by reducing energy costs and saving you space and resources.
Reconsider Printer Settings – Having a sustainable office doesn’t necessarily require a major overhaul of equipment. Proper settings on your print devices can go a long way in making your office more eco-friendly. Adjust print margins, eliminate banner sheets, print in ink-saving modes such as grayscale, and use duplex printing to reduce the amount of paper your business uses.
Recycle – Recycled paper enables your business to reduce its environmental impact and make better use of materials. While you’re at it, consider how much paper your employees are discarding in the office. Celebrate Earth Day by starting a recycling program within your workplace.
If you are ready to make the move to greener printing, contact us today to learn more about making your workplace more eco-friendly!
