A few clever adjustments can make a notable dent in the levels of office e-waste. Here are easy ways to reduce your company’s carbon footprint, from the more obvious, to the unexpected.
– Evaluate your font choices
Probably not what you were thinking, but over time this trick can make a real dent on ink usage. Across the months each small reduction per page can add up to a notable saving on toner and ink cartridges.
Don’t worry, nobody has to use Comic Sans. Try fonts that cover less space comparatively. Thinner fonts are go-to eco-conscious choices, especially if you reduce font size. Consider Courier, or Helvetica Condensed.
– Think beyond the font
Rather than letting the system choose your standard print settings, redefine the parameters. Many offices stick with the printing pre-sets found in common programs. A habit best broken when going green.
Changes can include but are not limited to lowering the DPI (dots per inch), choosing black and white printing over colour when possible, reducing margins, and of course double-sided printing.
– Invest in a multifunction printer
Discarded electronics make up a notable amount of annual e-waste. Multifunction printers offer a combo of printer, scanner, copier, and fax all in one machine making them a cost efficient and environmentally sound alternative.
– Recycle and re-use electronics responsibly
Thoughtless attitudes toward the lifespan and disposal of office electronic goods contribute to e-waste. Would you trust a car that hasn’t been serviced? Adopt a similar perspective to office electronics.
