Printers

Duplexing

A big step towards reducing your paper use is to install a 'duplexing unit' in it so that the printer can turn each sheet over and print on both sides.  Whether you already have a printer or are looking to buy one, refer to our Duplexing Printer List to find out which models have duplexing units available, or come with them as standard equipment. 

You may want to know that you will pay off the duplexing unit cost in paper savings to answer the question "Can I afford a Duplexing Unit?".  While many variables affect the costs and benefits of duplexing units, if the printer is shared by at least ten people, it is usually a safe cost savings.

Image Combination

More and more printer drivers include options for "n-up printing" (reducing images to print more than one 'page' on each side of the sheet of paper).  Some application software also includes it as an option.  Several companies have produced Printing Software that not only allow n-up printing, but also make it easy to create booklets and other clever effects.

Avoiding Images

Disabling automatic printing of cover sheets is usually the easiest way to reduce printer output.  Check your printer driver to see if this can be made the default, or if you use a central computer, perhaps it can be made the default for everyone.  If identification is a problem, consider adding a header or footer in small print with some identifying information; including the date can also be useful to track versions of documents. 

Some printers are set to print a configuration sheet when they are turned on.  This too can be turned off, as it can be requested when needed.  Check the manual to see how it is done.

Finally, you can reduce the images that you send to the printer.  A common recommendation is to do more previewing on-screen, so that what you do print out is closer to the final version.  If you are using the printouts to archive information, consider if some of that could be archived electronically (such as incoming email).  Many people find it much easier to edit documents on paper; when paper is the best tool for the job, don't feel guilty about using it.