Help Create a Cleaner, Greener Planet with the Right Office Equipment
With just five years remaining until the target date for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, time is running out. In geological terms, that's just a blink of an eye—making it even more critical for us to do our part for the planet. Office environments and shared workspaces offer many opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint. Here are some impactful ways to make a difference with your office equipment and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Make ENERGY STAR® your North Star.
If you are upgrading your home or office technology, ensure the products are ENERGY STAR qualified for energy efficiency. This label was created to help businesses identify products that reduce emissions and lower utility costs, making it a valuable guide for any technological upgrade. You can enhance operational efficiency by choosing ENERGY STAR-certified equipment, like the Sharp BP-Series multifunction printers (MFPs), while demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.
Repeat the EPEAT®.
A third-party rating system, the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), verifies a manufacturer's environmental claims. You can use these standards to make better choices each time you purchase an office product, ensuring it contributes to environmental sustainability. And, if you thought that Sharp's BP Series MFPs are among the industry's most energy-efficient, you thought right! These devices are EPEAT registered and Blue Angel and RoHS certified, featuring one of the lowest TEC values in class, durable drum units, low-melting-point toner, and ozone-reducing technology.
Pull back the curtain on packaging and recycling practices.
Try to research your equipment manufacturers and dealers so that you know whether they are implementing sustainable practices in their operations. Are they designing and packaging their products in an eco-friendly manner? Are they using recycled materials and plant-based paints when possible? You should also check that their parts are easy to recycle at the end of use.
Our Earth is not disposable, so your toner cartridges shouldn't be either.
Before you run out of toner, make sure you plan to dispose of the toner cartridges properly. Check with your office equipment manufacturers to see if they have a toner recycling program that would make shipping cartridges, bottles, toner containers, and drum units easy. For bulk recycling, you can inquire about recycling kits, including pre-labeled shipping containers, bags to line the carton, and zip ties to close before shipping. This program can help ensure you send net zero waste to landfills. However, we know that while sending items in bulk is more sustainable and reduces the energy expended, it is not always possible for small businesses or individuals. Alternatively, inquire with retailers like Staples to see if you can drop off toner cartridges and other accessories for recycling at your nearest store.
Next time you consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR-certified product or recycling a toner cartridge, remember that you contribute to a more sustainable, brighter future! With Sharp, you'll enhance productivity and save energy, making every upgrade a smart investment for your office and our planet.