This is but one of 7 Ways to Redesign the Earth.
- Conserve and recycle paper.
- Use screen previews as much as possible.
- Use duplex printing and copying. Check your contracts and other forms used in your office — do you use both sides of the paper?
- Use the right size of paper. Make sure you have the right paper (size/color/type) loaded in your printer before you hit the print button. Could some of your internal forms (checklists, routing slips, etc.) be re-designed and printed two to a sheet of paper?
- Print thumbnails of long documents (2 or more pages per sheet of paper) for checking overall layout, draft proofing.
- Save drafts, bad prints, and wrinkled sheets for scratch paper — before sending them to the paper recycling bin.
- Conserve and recycle printer cartridges.
- Don't print unnecessary copies.
- Use draft printing modes for draft copies.
- Shake your toner cartridge to redistribute the toner and extend its use.
- Use the black ink cartridge in your color printer for non-color copies and for drafts when you're only checking layout or alignment.
- Use your printer cartridge manufacturer's recycling program if available.
- Consider using refilled cartridges (often cost less).
Design with the earth in mind
From using recycled and environmental paper to finding an environmentally conscious printer, the Web has numerous resources and ideas for graphic designers and desktop publishers.
EcoGraphics Environment-friendly Printing
This printing company has tips on designing with the environment in mind. Use their site map to find design advice on design considerations including paper and ink choices and other things you can do for truly environmentally sensitive graphic design.
Conservatree
Get information on recycled, tree-free, and chlorine-free paper and articles on finding and using ecologically sound papers.
Recycled Office Products, Inc.
Office products from recycled materials.
