Sustainability is more than just a buzzword in today’s business world—it’s a necessity. You don’t need a Ph.D. in environmental science to know that it’s vitally important that we conserve our planet’s natural resources as well as focus on more mindful practices that protect our environment and reduce waste.
When we think of environmental stressors, we often consider the usual suspects—car emissions, methane, over farming, GMOs, pesticides, and more. However, one significant change we can make at the business level is by adopting green office equipment practices. And where better to start than with the often-overlooked copy machine?
That’s right—it’s time to bring the world of sustainable printing practices to...the world. Let’s dive in and see what we can all do to keep our businesses (and planet) thriving.
Want a More Sustainable Office? Get Modern With Printing
Simply put, Sustainable printing is the practice of reducing the environmental impact of printing. Imagine how many documents, reports, and promotional materials are printed daily across the globe, and then think about how much waste those materials create. The amount of paper, ink, and energy required to produce billions of brochures, handouts, and worksheets can become overwhelming for our environment. In fact, it can be downright dangerous for all of us. So, why go sustainable when it comes to printing?
Conservation of Resources
Sustainable printing helps conserve our most beloved and most needed natural resources like trees, water, and minerals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average office worker runs through 10,000 sheets and 700 lbs of paper per year. But if we all reduce and recycle, that can have a massive impact on deforestation and carbon emissions.
Energy Savings
The energy required to manufacture paper, operate printing machines, and dispose of waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable printing practices help minimize energy consumption and, in turn, can reduce our carbon footprint.
Waste Reduction
Conventional printing methods frequently lead to substantial waste, encompassing excess paper and vast amounts of unused materials. By adopting sustainable printing techniques, such as double-sided printing, and minimizing the overuse of resources in the office, waste can be significantly reduced.
Cost Savings
Guess what? When you use less materials, you save money. Duplex printing, energy-efficient copiers, and responsible paper consumption will lower expenses and keep the planet a bit greener.
Green Office Equipment Practices Are Here to Stay
Lots of things old things aren’t great for the environment. A 1978 Grand Prix surely isn’t as environmentally friendly as a 2023 Genesis GV60. That’s why modern copiers come equipped with various features and technologies designed to support sustainable printing practices so you can operate your business while keeping the planet in mind. And just like that ’23 Genesis, they come with more bells and whistles to keep Mother Earth safe. Let’s dive in.
Duplex Printing
Duplex printing is extremely valuable in reducing paper waste. Why? Because it enables automatic double-sided printing. Most modern copiers come with duplex printing capabilities, which means you can reduce paper consumption by 50%—and that goes a long way for the environment and your bottom line.
Energy-Saving Capabilities
Everything has modes now. Coffee makers, smart televisions, refrigerators. So why shouldn’t copiers? Energy-saving modes reduce power consumption during periods of inactivity through sleep functions, auto-off timers, and low-power standby settings. Energy-efficient copiers reduce energy costs and carbon footprints by automatically adjusting their energy usage based on usage patterns.
Recycled Paper Options
Today’s copiers are compatible with various types of recycled paper, which are produced using post-consumer waste and/or agricultural residues. By using recyclable and recycled paper, you’re reducing the demand for wood pulp and minimizing the environmental impact of paper production.
Reduced Toner
Less toner is good for all of us—especially because changing the cartridges is a hassle. Fewer cartridges means less waste + plastic in a landfill and more money in your pocket.
Be a Mindful Printer
Modern copiers are great for the environment—but they won’t magically fix your office’s printing problems. Here’s what you can do to keep your workers from causing more work for our environment.
Think Sustainably
Before hitting the print button, consider whether your printing is truly necessary. Utilize digital alternatives like email or doc sharing to reduce paper consumption.
Default Is Your (and The Earth’s) Friend
Configure your copier to duplex printing and draft-quality mode to reduce paper and toner usage—it can reduce consumption by 15%+, which is great for your bottom line.
Recycle
Recycle everything, including cartridges and paper. And be sure to check with your manufacturers for any recycling programs to make life even easier.
Tell the World (or Office)
Get your employees and colleagues involved in your sustainability campaign by highlighting the importance of sustainable printing practices and challenge your entire team to adopt eco-conscious practices inside and outside the office. There—you just saved the planet.
Ok. What did we learn? That there’s modern copiers out there designed to reduce waste and protect our environment. That we can change the world one office at a time.
When you upgrade your printing technology, you upgrade your world—and your company culture. With sustainable printers, you can reduce your carbon footprint and reduce financial and physical waste—and that makes a happy planet and a happy you.
CPC Technologies: Providing Sustainable Printing Practices for Florida and Alabama Businesses
In the evolving world of business, prioritizing sustainability is more crucial than ever. Sustainable printing solutions for businesses are not just a trend but a necessity. If you're a business in Florida or Alabama seeking eco-friendly copiers or looking to adopt green office equipment practices, CPC Office Technologies is your trusted partner. As local environmental copier dealers, we offer a range of tailored services to meet your needs. From eco-friendly copiers in Florida and Alabama to comprehensive green office solutions, we are committed to helping you reduce your carbon footprint. Call us today at 800.367.7468 or Contact Us to discover how we can make your business more sustainable.