Reducing printing waste

Organisations can take measures to reduce printing waste


Printing and waste...

Printing is one of the activities that bring a lot of environmental degradation in the world today. That is because every organisation uses printed documents either in large or small scale. Most businesses do not conserve the environment since they don't care about their printing habits. However, Organisations can take some measures to reduce waste that is brought about by printing as discussed below.

What can organisations do?

First, they can ensure that they print only the documents that are necessary to be printed. Sometimes, not all information needs to be put down in a paper. If there is an alternative to getting the information across without printing, then it's best to reduce the paperwork. For example, you can use e-mail to share documents and ideas. Only print out e-mail messages when you need a hard copy.

1) Think before making multiple copies

People should also consider some choices before making multiple copies of documents. Not all documents would be necessary for many copies. For example, if you're passing information in an open office, you can just print one document and pin it on the notice board. This way, you cut down on the number of papers to be printed, hence reducing waste. Rather than distributing individual copies, circulate or route reports or periodicals

2) Print on both sides

Printing on both sides of the paper can be an essential measure in reducing waste and also cutting on the printing costs of an organisation.

3) Recycle

Organisations can recycle and reuse when possible. For example, organisations can use two-way envelopes or reuse some. Make scratch pads from used paper. They should keep mailing lists current and include just one address for each recipient.

4) Smaller fonts

They can print more stuff on each page. They can use a smaller font or narrower margins when formatting a document, and practice efficiently copying by using the size reduction feature on most copiers. They can also eliminate unnecessary forms.

5) Send less mail

Businesses can mail less to save more. You may be able to save on printing papers by mailing fewer sheets. Using fewer printing papers also helps in efforts to conserve trees that are used in their manufacture.

6) Donate old magazines & journals

Organisations can donate old magazines or journals to schools, clinics or libraries. When it comes to information, someone's waste can be someone else' treasure. Instead of throwing away magazines and journals that are not helpful to you, you can donate them to those who find them useful. This way you reduce printing waste significantly.

7) Store documents digitally

Organisations can store important documents digitally. That helps reduce storage and handling costs by using less paper in the office. Also, an organisation can provide a document management solution to help employees avoid unnecessary printing by going paperless on their work. A document management method is created to automate document processes, thereby significantly reducing the need to print.

8) Eco friendly ink & toner

Organisations should also consider using printing ink that doesn't pollute the environment by causing emissions. They can also encourage their workers and other people to minimise printing documents adding a 'think before you print' icon to their email signatures. That makes more people aware of the effects of taking care of the environment.

9) Efficient modern equipment

Printing can be done using modern technologies and machines to ensure there is conservation of the environment. Everyone has the obligation of conserving the environment and therefore all people can reduce printing and help make our surroundings better.