Start the New Year Right – Do These 5 Things to Make Your Office More Environmentally Friendly
Kick off the new year by making your office more environmentally friendly. With a few simple, consistent steps, you can reduce waste, save energy, and support long-term sustainability. Here are five practical actions your workplace can take to make a real difference.
1. Toner Recycling
Toner recycling of used printer cartridges and toner bottles prevents them from ending up in landfills, conserves resources, and keeps harmful materials out of the environment. Office displays designed with recyclable components and low-power operation also contribute to waste reduction and energy efficiency.
Offices can implement toner recycling by:
• Setting up a collection bin for used cartridges and toner bottles and sending them to a recycling center.
• Tracking recycling to ensure that all items are handled correctly.
• Choosing office displays with recyclable components or modular parts that can be reused or replaced.
Benefits: Reduced waste, lower carbon footprint, and fully recycled consumables.
2. Manufacturers Recycling Management (MRM)
The Manufacturers Recycling Management (MRM) program helps offices safely recycle end-of-life electronics, including computers, monitors, and office displays, while handling hazardous materials responsibly. Displays designed with durable, recyclable components make it easier for offices to follow sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.
Offices can implement MRM practices by:
• Using nearby drop-off points, certified partners, or mail-back labels for smaller electronics.
• Scheduling pickups for larger items or bulk electronics.
• Keeping an inventory of old electronics to plan recycling cycles efficiently.
Benefits: Safe handling of electronics, recovery of materials, and reduced environmental harm.
3. Choose EPEAT-Certified Products
EPEAT evaluates electronics on energy efficiency, recyclability, and environmentally responsible design. Selecting EPEAT-registered printers, MFPs, and displays with sustainable materials and low-power operation helps offices reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining performance.
Offices can implement EPEAT practices by:
• Choosing EPEAT-registered products when purchasing new equipment.
• Including EPEAT ratings in procurement policies to encourage sustainable purchasing.
• Prioritizing displays with energy-saving and recyclable features.
Benefits: Supports sustainable purchasing, reduces environmental impact, and promotes responsible technology use.
4. Use ENERGY STAR® Qualified Devices
ENERGY STAR identifies products that consume less energy without affecting performance. Choosing printers, MFPs, and office displays that meet these standards helps offices reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, displays designed with low power consumption and built-in energy-saving modes contribute significantly to overall office efficiency.
Offices can implement ENERGY STAR practices by:
• Selecting ENERGY STAR qualified printers, copiers, computers, and displays.
• Monitoring energy use and savings over time to measure impact and reinforce energy-efficient habits.
• Enabling power-saving modes on displays and other devices when not in use.
Benefits: Reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, and a smaller carbon footprint.
5. Participate in State E-Waste Programs
State e-waste programs ensure the safe disposal of electronics such as computers, monitors, and office displays, preventing hazardous materials from entering landfills and supporting the recovery of valuable components. Displays with recyclable parts or modular designs make it easier for offices to follow environmentally responsible practices.
Offices can implement e-waste practices by:
• Setting up a regular e-waste collection program in the office.
• Using certified recycling services or collection points.
• Choosing displays with recyclable or replaceable components to extend their lifecycle and reduce waste.
Benefits: Compliance with regulations, responsible recycling, and reduced environmental impact.
Final Note
Small actions such as recycling toner, responsibly disposing of electronics including office displays, choosing EPEAT-rated and ENERGY STAR products, and participating in state e-waste programs can make a real difference. By starting the year with these practices, offices can reduce their environmental impact and create a healthier, more sustainable workplace. Sharp supports these efforts by offering products, including displays, that are EPEAT- and ENERGY STAR-certified and providing toner recycling at all Sharp branches. To learn more about how Sharp participates in these programs and promotes environmentally responsible practices, visit Sharp’s Environmental page.