Green

Why You Should Use an Eco-Friendly Printer

It’s a simple fact: Printers are power-hungry; they use far more energy idling than they do operating in many applications. Most are made from virgin materials and of environmentally unfriendly plastics. When it’s time to replace an old technology printer for a more energy-efficient, made from recycled materials, ink-saving and paper-saving eco-friendly printer, how is the old one disposed in a responsible and environmentally sound manner?

When considering energy-efficiency, it’s not only precious natural resources that are being saved by using an eco-friendly printer. Daily cost savings are instantly realized on the electric bill. In an environmentally green house, the power generated by the solar array, wind generator, and lower thermal generation from the AC-DC inverter all contribute to thermal and electrical inefficiency. The newer printers use less than half the electricity in normal printing operations than their older equivalents. Timed power-off or sleeping modes can save up to 80% of the electricity used than if the printer is always on and idling. Energy Star compliance is a good starting point when considering a new eco-friendly printer.

More than 80% of most printers are made from virgin plastics. With recycling efforts and awareness increasing nationwide, more consumer recycled plastic is available than ever. Some manufacturers are using the more biodegradable grades of plastics in the manufacture of their eco-friendly printers. Printers use a lot of ink. While this may be profitable for ink manufacturers, it’s not conducive to a healthier environment. The cartridges themselves are generally made from virgin materials. Some manufacturers have established free ink cartridge recycling and many of the larger office equipment retailers and computer stores offer either cash or a cash-saving coupon when an old ink cartridge is brought in to exchange for a new one.

Some of the more responsible and environmentally conscious manufacturers are offering significant trade-in allowances for making the move to an eco-friendly printer from a list of selected older technology printers that are the most egregious offenders. Some of the newest technology is surprisingly affordable. Other cost savings may be possible at tax-time for qualifying purchases; consult a tax professional to determine if a tax credit or other qualifying deduction is available.

Currently, there are over a dozen large original equipment manufacturers with eco-friendly printer models available. It’s doubtless there will be more in the future. It was not that long ago when an Energy Star compliant computer was the exception. Today, it’s very difficult to find a computer that is not Energy Star rated. The consumer drives the market and environmentally-conscious people will make their will known to the manufacturers. With today’s engineers – who were raised in a world of environmental responsibility – it’s simply a matter of time and energy.