How Small Businesses Can Reduce Their Environmental Footprint

Printing is an essential part of operations for many small businesses, from marketing materials to everyday office needs. However, traditional printing practices can significantly contribute to environmental degradation through paper waste, energy consumption, and chemical pollution. 

For small businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint, adopting eco-friendly printing practices is an impactful and achievable step. Here are actionable strategies to make printing more sustainable.

• Go Digital When Possible: The most effective way to reduce the environmental impact of printing is to avoid it altogether. Embracing digital tools and formats minimizes paper and ink usage, saving resources while often enhancing efficiency. Examples include:
  • Digital invoices and receipts: Send electronic versions instead of printed copies.
  • E-marketing: Replace printed flyers or brochures with email campaigns or social media posts.
  • Digital collaboration tools: Use platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams to share documents and reduce printed materials in meetings.
• Use Recycled and Eco-Friendly Paper: When printing is unavoidable, opt for sustainable paper products. Recycled paper or paper certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures responsible sourcing. Additionally, look for paper with a high percentage of post-consumer content, which reduces the demand for virgin materials and diverts waste from landfills.
• Invest in Energy-Efficient Printing Equipment: Modern printers and copiers are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Look for devices certified by ENERGY STAR or equivalent programs, which consume less electricity and often come with eco-modes to further reduce power usage. Multifunction printers that combine printing, scanning, and copying in one device can also streamline operations and minimize energy use.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Inks and Toners: Traditional inks and toners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals. Switching to soy- or vegetable-based inks, as well as low-VOC toner cartridges, reduces the release of pollutants into the environment. Additionally, many manufacturers offer remanufactured or refillable cartridges, which cut down on waste.
• Recycle Used Materials: Establish a system for recycling paper, cartridges, and other printing supplies. Partner with local recycling programs or take advantage of manufacturer take-back initiatives for cartridges and equipment. Ensure employees are aware of these programs and provide convenient collection points in the office.    

For small businesses, reducing the environmental impact of printing is an attainable goal that can also lower costs and boost operational efficiency. 

By embracing digital tools, choosing sustainable materials, and adopting eco-friendly practices, small businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while making a tangible difference. In a competitive market, these efforts also resonate with environmentally conscious customers, creating added value for the business and the planet.

Go Green with Business Supplies in Ann Arbor!

If you’ve never evaluated how your company is moving forward with sustainability, there’s no time like the present! We love to support our fellow small businesses in Ann Arbor. We can help you come up with more efficient printing processes, and help streamline your practices with delivery and regularly scheduled printer maintenance.

We want to be more than just your printer supply company. We want to help you with all your business supplies in Ann Arbor! Contact us today to learn more.