Articles Directory | Free Articles | New Articles Daily | Save the Environment: Going Green with your Laser Printer

Laser printers are truly amazing in terms of the technology it offers. Being able to print more than an average of 25 pages per minute, it enhances productivity by increasing the amount of work done over time. By integrating several functions into one machine such as fax, copy, and scan, most laser printers are now known as multi-function devices. In addition, its low per page cost and durability ensures a sound investment for office equipment. However, not all laser printers are made equal. While a growing number of new printers advocate green practices and technologies, some of the older models do not have such features.

For example, developments in green technology have made it possible for some printers to consume a minimum of 100 watts while printing. This is a sharp comparison to older printers which can consume up to more than 1,000 watts under normal printing conditions. This proves that promoting the use of green technologies can provide a number of benefits both for the owner of the printer and the environment. For those who are considering taking part in making a greener environment, here are a few tips for a good start:

Choose laser printers with the Energy Star logo. The Energy Star standard is awarded to consumer electronic devices which show energy efficiency compared to other products in the same category. Energy Star-compliant devices use about 20 to 30 percent less energy than what is set by the federal government. In order to be Energy Star-compliant and carry the logo, the following criteria should be satisfied:
The product must contribute a considerable amount of energy savings in a national scale;

The product should be able to provide remarkable features as well as performance while maintaining a notable degree of energy efficiency;

If the product costs more than its competitors, it should demonstrate that the added costs can be recouped in terms of lower utility bills, thanks to higher energy efficiency;
The product attains energy efficiency using widely-available technologies offered by various manufacturers;

The product has undergone extensive testing to validate and document actual energy efficiency and performance; and

The product label should be designed for easy identification for consumers.

Turn off the printer when not in use. Just like any other electronic device, laser printers still use a minimal amount of power even when idle. Hence, turning off the printer when it will not be used for prolonged periods is the best option. This should also be observed when people leave after office hours. As an alternative, utilize the printer's power saving mode, if available.

Practice smart printing. You can try reducing your carbon footprint and lessen ink costs by:
- Putting lesser amount of images on documents.
- Use duplex printing when possible.
- Adjust margins and paragraph spacing to accommodate more text.