Paper materials or paper products whatever you call it, they're basically made from wood. Albeit there are many ways to recycle them, there ain't much ways to bring them back to their original form or state. But with Andrej Malinin, a Swedish clever designer who used newspapers and colorful pages of paper waste for her recycling project which aims to create a compostable furniture as durable as a real wood.

The output was superbly unique, sturdy and hard as wood with texture and appearance that resembles lumber or timber. Malinin just basically glued thousands of paper layers using a water-based adhesive, and the output was incredibly awesome that it actually mimic a wood. His wonderful creation was entitled "Back To Wood" by the designer himself which definitely implies the true interpretation of Malinin's recycling project.

Come to think of it, if it's really as strong and durable as what they claimed, that it can withstand pressure and several factors that a real wood can endure. Then wouldn't it be nice to create your own table or rack by recycling tons of paper materials which eventually will turn as waste? Of course there are considerations and certain limits to which you should be mindful given that it's not really made out of wood. Perhaps like using it for your table top decorations or flower vases. Another good idea is to create a computer rack or a printer rack, where you can place your printing machine into a naive and environment friendly stand.

Say, in the office, there are hundreds of paper waste or drafts or printouts that you can collect and recycle for this purpose. Why don't you make a framework, like I said for a printer equipment, since it's kind of light and small. Additionally, it's the printer that mostly generate paper waste in any office and businesses, hence it's ironic to use its waste for a good purpose. If being eco friendly really matters to you, plus, crafting and nifty recycling projects are just your stuffs, then it's worthy to try making your own version of Malinin's Back to Wood creation. Then another good suggestion you may consider is by using eco-friendly toner cartridges or ink cartridges with your printer, as well as recycled paper products when printing. You can cut down the bills and expenses accrued annually, and most importantly, save and protect the environment.
 
Picture
Three-dimensional printing or commonly called as 3D printing technology has definitely made a mark in the field of advance technology. It may be quite intriguing and a bit unbelievable, but indeed 3D printing particularly the machines used by this innovation, can create anything that any human can imagine.

Just like an entry level breakthrough, before three-dimensional printing is quoted as an equipment for mass production of products, items and similar stuffs. Plastic filaments or plastic materials were used in it's early stage, but nowadays, 3D printers can now be utilized to produce things made out of wood and metal. Don't be surprise cause technology is what we're talking about here, and advancements is the only constant thing in the world of technology.

In the recent months, there were news about a 3D printer used to create human organs through stem cell or something like that. Guns and deadly weapons aren't just rumors, they're actually made using 3D printing as well. Additionally, concrete houses and structures were built through the same technology.

Putting some green touch in this technology is likewise possible. In fact there were machines developed to produce plastic filaments for 3D printers by simply recycling plastic waste materials. So in a way, 3D printing technology also helps the environment. In addition, aside from plastic materials as filament, wood, salt, and paper materials are now being used as alternative 3D printer filaments.

Traditionally, substances that contain chemicals or harmful toxins that negatively affect the environment were required in the production of three-dimensional printing. But since they probably realized the amount of plastic waste generated and ending up in the landfills, such measures have been designed. A brilliant team from Emerging Objects, founded by Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello, conducted an experiment that used salt and wood to create a 3D printed material as strong as a concrete. What else can you get from green materials, nothing but environment friendly objects right?

To those who are using conventional printers for their daily printing needs, and may want to switch to environment friendly printing, then opt for eco friendly toner cartridges and ink cartridges for your printer. They offer the same performance and quality, and what's best, these consumables are way more affordable than branded cartridges.



 
Canon ImageRunner C5240i
Canon does have a number of recycling programs to help preserve our environment. While these programs are still aiding in sustainability, they coexist with what we called as sustainable printers. Along with Canon's dedication to support environmental protection and the likes, the company recently released one of their latest printer that supports green printing with the ImageRunner Advance C5240i.

What makes it different among the other conventional printers is that, the C5240i was built through organic plastic materials from renewable biomass components.Bio-plastic materials as we all know has a property that can't stand high heat levels especially the generated heat from a printing machine. Due to this innovation, Canon's imageRunner Advance C5240i printer was acknowledge and obtain awards from Energy Star, TEC2 and EPEAT. It was absolutely worthy to achieve the Gold rating from EPEAT, the highest rating that could be achieved. In addition, through the printer's 1 Watt energy consumption when in Sleep Mode, it's certainly enough to be called a green printer.

With all those environment friendly features that you won't always find in any printer, its performance is surprisingly far better than you might have thought. Its print speed is quite impressive, rated at 40 pages per minute in mono printing, and 35ppm in color mode. It also offer a nice and adjustable color touchscreen LCD which is generally useful when the machine is set as a standalone copier.

It may seem unusual to hear some news about a printer made from bio-plastic materials, but you know, technology has a lot more to improve and will eventually offer us the things we thought would be impossible for such purpose, then prove us wrong. Imagine this green printer and you're using recycled toner cartridges, a machine made from renewable substances that uses consumables from reused materials, our world would be grateful to have them both.

Printers and all technologically produce materials, they all contribute in Global warming, actually even those that are not made through the wonders of technology. There are several factors that may contribute in Global warming, hence if there's anything that might help on reducing such negative impacts, we must take advantage of it no matter what.

 
Picture
Are you familiar to some international standards and certifications a company or organization may received or have, to be claimed as environment friendly? These green credentials defines the effectiveness of their products as being environmentally oriented. If your printer or supplies either has one of the following or probably have a few of these, then you're more than lucky to print the eco-friendly way.

A certificate that's based with the international standard, the ISO 14001 or ISO 14001 EMS (Environmental Management Standards) aids on reducing negative ecological impacts of various organizations and operations. There are laws and regulations related to environment preservation from which they must comply to improve and obtain the ISO 14001 Certificate. Being the most valued green certificate, money is not the only factor involved to achieve such credential, time and dedication must be invested as well.

Another worthy and honored certification is the FSC ( Forest Stewardship Council ) is an independent organization that provides internationally recognized certification to companies that promote the same mission to responsibly protect the world's forestry. Printer manufacturers are not the only ones that can be certified by FSC, even paper manufacturers may obtain it.

A certification system similar to FSC is the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), the world's largest forest certification system. One of the forest certification standard that grants an eco-label to PEFC certified companies and organizations, which can be easily identified by most consumers.

Do you know that Hewlett-Packard printing solutions and paper products are both FSC and PEFC certified? Aside from the Energy Star marks that you can find in every machines, HP oaths to reduce the impacts of their company on the environment particularly in the printing industry.

Some recycled paper products may have less quality that is suitable for printing, however a paper product that has been FSC, SFI and PEFC certified ensures the best output while producing less environmental impacts to the environment. Companies and manufacturers that have satisfied the standards and requirements of these certifications and laws, have demonstrated a commendable and laudable effort on helping in the sustainability of our forestry around the world.

Perhaps by now, you can at least conclude if your printing practices, as well as the machine and supplies you're using is truly environment friendly or not. Paper materials used for printing are available in recycled types, even the consumables that printer uses are recycled. Printer manufacturers are producing eco-friendly toner cartridges and ink cartridges to prolong sustainability, these products are also bounded by laws and quality test to reassure their customers about the quality and performance of their products.

 
Picture
Some people used to have collectible items, others are just making it a habit to keep something then eventually it became a collection. Whatever your collection may be, it can be a nifty hobby to collect valuable things and stuffs that define who you are. Our today's collection isn't something unusual to many, indeed these are just simple things to consider, but rarely given importance.

Actually this collection or rather list isn't new, you can find more of it by simply browsing the net, but I prefer to have my own list. PrintGreen promotes environment friendly resources, topics and ideas, hence our collection should relate to eco friendly stuffs as well. You can't always get to read a post about recycled products, while politics or some sort of it are very common elsewhere. Perhaps you could spare a moment of your time reading this shortlist.

Recycled Paper Materials
In its early times, recycled paper products are basically costly for a reason from which I'm not very particular. But let's live the past, nowadays such materials are of low prices and even better. Let's be thankful to the market competition, recycled paper materials became less expensive and more long lasting.

Recycled Pencils
If you think that recycling is just for papers, then what can you say with these recycled pencils which are made from reused materials? There were variations like pencils made from magazine materials, scrap woods, and other biodegradable components.

Recycled Ballpens
I kinda like this one, the Bottle-2-Pen ballpens from Pilot. They're not just made from recycled PET bottles or drinking bottles, they also have the same texture and grip similar to an actual water bottle. Aren't they look nice, unless you don't want to have a fancy and a bit bulky ball-pen to use for school.

Recycled Notebooks
Since there are recycled paper materials available, manufacturers tried producing notebooks and binders through such materials. They're practically more efficient, with covers that are really sturdy and customizable. Aside from notebooks, there are also notepads made from recycled materials. Actually, making your own recycled notebook is very much easy, just gather those old notes of yours and see if there are blank pages which can still be used. Remove the spring or the stitch, whatever binds it, then compile all the blank pages and stitch it back, and there you have it.

Recycled Printer Cartridges
Printing is a staple task, hence we should be mindful of our own practices. Using original cartridges may result to an extensive recurring expense, and one possible way to turn the tide is by opting for less costly printer consumables, and these are the so called recycled toner cartridges and ink cartridges.

 
Picture
In our today's Economy, probably most laser printer users, not only those individual owners but also some offices and businesses, would prefer online retailers for getting supplies. Practically it is acceptable, first you not only get discounts and privileges, second there's an extensive cut in your printing expense that is certainly noticeable.

Another factor why most consumers prefer online retailers is that, they can compare prices as well as the amount they can possibly save, up front. Instead of the idea to stroll around the streets, look for a retail shop or direct seller, and see which one has a good offer to fit your budget. Ideally, we all want to save, hence if ever there's a possible way which can aid on cutting down any expense, we will certainly go for it.

Original printer supplies such as branded ink and toner cartridges are highly expensive, and customers can't do nothing as of the moment to partially take the price down. Due to this fact, alternatives are getting the spotlight and taking all the credits from the consumers who were satisfied for what it can provide. While it's inevitable to experience minor issues with a printer that uses compatible cartridges, this problem can actually happen the same with OEMs. The quality specifically the output of a printer that used original cartridges is way better over the alternatives. However, there are cases from which these low-cost consumables have delivered printout quality of par with high-price cartridges. These instances led to a long argument that debates which among these two consumables is the ideal.

Whichever brand or manufacturer you're side may be, it wouldn't compromise your loyalty to them if you use remanufactured cartridges. Canon and HP are two of the most competing printer manufacturers in the Print Industry, along with a few, but even these major companies do recycle their products. The purpose of their recycling programs is mainly to reuse the materials and components of their used products. This results to the production of eco-friendly toner cartridges and ink cartridges which aids to the sustainability and preservation of resources which are use to manufacture new printer consumables.

To achieve a completely zero-waste landfill is a bit skeptical considering the industry's situation right now. Nevertheless, we should be more practical with our printing practices, besides it's part of our essential responsibility for the environment.

 
Picture
In United States there are such laws that prohibit printer manufacturers to void the warranty of the machine where recycled toner cartridges are being used. For areas which are protected by such federal laws, they are fortunate to be able to break their expenses particularly in printing. The use of recycled printer consumables provide significant savings and more importantly it protects the environment through reusing processed materials.

Just like any existing matter, all the components of a printer cartridge may wear off in time, that is why there's a certain limit to which a piece of cartridge can be recycled. It depends on the condition of the cartridge itself whether how many times it can be reused, more likely 3 times is the minimum. I wonder how the manufacturers know the approximate number of times a cartridge has been recycled, perhaps there's a mark.

If you think refilling your own cartridges is considered a recycling process as well, in a way yes it is. But the real recycling process doesn't only involve refilling the tanks, it goes a long way. Refilling the cartridge by yourself has a higher tendency of getting a defective one. Also, if you inject enough ink into the tank then it failed to work properly, in the end you only waste the ink, your money, as well as the cartridge which might be more useful if you let someone knowledgeable do it. Unlike if you sent it to your respective retailer which has a cartridge return program, that cartridge you've wasted might have found a new life.

Cartridge recycling or any form of recycling stretches the useful life of a certain product, as well as the materials and components that it comprises. Although the print quality may not be as good as with OEM cartridges, the cut in price plus the environmental benefits that it provide are good trade-off. In addition, cost is not the primary factor to consider when determining the best quality. Remember that what matter is how you print, not by how much have you spent for it.

 
Picture
Inkjet printers are not just for conventional printing, and this has been proven years ago. From its basic function to print text, images and graphics either mono or color, it's main purpose evolve into something more unusual. Let's admit it, researchers and developers are really good at this, surprising us with their inventions and breakthrough that brought us to this new world.

In the year of 2008, Konarka Technologies, developed a printable solar panel film which can be used for photovoltaic solar panels. With the use of an inkjet printer they were able to produce solar panels as thin as a plain paper sheet through common inkjet printing process. Konarka developers replaced the ink that we commonly used in our everyday printing needs, with solar cell materials, while the sheet from where these matters will be printed are not just a typical paper sheet but a special and flexible plastic substrate. It became a hit since printed solar cells are way cheaper than silicon panels, however the option to release it for the masses is not considered yet.

Konarka's breakthrough was followed by another discovery from MIT Discoveries. Production and installation of solar panels are normally expensive, thus, once an alternative came into the consumer's view it will surely make a hype. That's what the MIT Researcher's figured out, a way from which solar cells can be printed onto paper materials using the printing process similar to an inkjet printer. The invention was called semiconductor-coated paper that features a carbon-based dyes that improved the solar cells efficiency by up to 2%.

As the most recent update regarding the application of inkjet printing, Max Plank Institute Of Colloid and Interfaces in Potsdam-Golm had a group of researchers which was led by Cristina Giordano, that was able to utilized paper sheets to produce conductive structures. Again with the use of an inkjet printer, they made it successful to deposit catalyst on sheets of paper and by simply applying heat into the surface, it eventually turn into a graphite capable of conducting electricity.

Source : Inhabitat
"To fabricate their electronics, the Potsdam researchers converted the cellulose in paper into graphite by using an iron nitrate catalyst laid down by a commercial inkjet printer. After being heated to 800 degrees Celsius in a nitrogen atmosphere, the cellulose expelled water until all that was left was pure carbon. These areas become conductive, while the non-printed areas are less able to move electrons."
As it seems, inkjet printing technology can also be utilized in the field of carbon electronics. Although these inventions are not to be purposely commercialized, it's quite considerable since these breakthrough are still on their research phase. Ink cartridges on the other hand aren't left behind. Unlike with printer toner cartridges, aside from the fact that alternatives such eco-friendly toner cartridges are commonly available, breakthroughs aren't feasible yet. Whereas with inks, there were a few researches like solid inks and bio-based inks that may lead to such innovations where we could hope commercialization is not just an option.
 
Picture
Do you want to save with your printer's mounting expenses? The fact that most manufacturers are selling highly expensive printing supplies, it can be hard to cut down the cost. In most cases, users opt to decrease their consumption of supplies and reduce their volume of printing just to at least moderate the generated expense.

In our today's world, options are abundantly available, and we just need to consider trying them to find out how can they be useful for our problem. Quit asking if there's such a way to set yourself free from those pricey printer consumables. Indeed there's a way, and one good example to cite with are the replacement cartridges or the so called remanufactured cartridges. These consumables are made from OEM components of empty or used cartridges, hence they can still be tagged as original.

Through using remanufactured toner cartridges and ink cartridges, you can greatly shrink your printer's recurrent expense by almost half of the previous months where you used OEMs. Remanufactured printer cartridges come with the word cheap or substandard. Yes these products are substantially cheap but they're not substandard. Fraud manufacturers are fishing for easy money, they're the ones responsible why people connotes the term 'substandard' when they heard of remanufactured cartridges.

Many printers now support economy mode of printing, but how can this feature be useful to reduce overall expense? Let's say your printing drafts or test pages, you think it's efficient in your part to print in regular settings when you can use eco-mode? Basically, what it does is to prevent the printer from using excessive ink/toner with every print. Text output may somewhat fall into gray-scale quality but still readable, unless you need a hard copy for an important purpose just turn the eco-mode off.

Another way to reduce printing cost particularly with the supplies, is by fitting two pages in a single sheet or try duplexing, a feature that allows printing on both sides of a page. First you make a cut on the expense or purchasing paper materials, second, you get to reserved more inks since printing two files in a single paper tend to shrink the output.

As a rule of thumb, if you don't intend to use the printer for photo printing, graphics or high resolution prints, it is wise to have a laser printer instead. Laser toner cartridges have a considerably low cost-per-page, that's for original brands. What more if you try using the remans which are half the price cheaper compared to branded supplies.

 
Picture
To learn more about the topic, talk about it. That's why instead of asking everyone to do their part and be one with the environmentally responsible citizen around the world, I'll be providing must known facts about printer cartridges recycling.

Printer consumables such as the ink and toner cartridges, even the drum unit, for a business that requires printing on a daily basis these supplies may generate a totally huge cost. Not all that, once these items reached their end of life or usage limit, there are two paths from which they could probably end up, it's either on the recycling plants or landfills. Although there are programs and agencies that promote proper e-waste disposal, still a certain percentage of such waste materials

Cartridges components consist of plastic, metal, rubber, paper and foam. About 80% of it composed plastic and metal, the remaining percentage are the other components. There are two types of printer cartridges, one is the ink cartridge and the other is the toner cartridge, say if you include it on the overall components that made up a cartridge, nearly 97% of a cartridge's components can be recycled.

The recycling process that a printer cartridge go through is not similar to the ones you commonly know. In general, it involves cleaning, refurbishing, segregating, drilling, and refilling, something more like that. Even the recycling process that each manufacturer used must be certified by the print industry standards in order to prevent substandard products from disseminating in the market.

Economically speaking, recycled toner cartridges and ink cartridges only cost 50% less than branded supplies. The significant cost reduction doesn't mean these printer consumables are of bad quality. Remember that they're made of recycled components from original cartridges, hence the manufacturer doesn't use raw materials in the production process. Cartridge recycling also require less energy consumption which makes recycled products more affordable.

Years ago, millions or even billions of printer cartridges are being dumped in the landfills and incinerators. After they developed the right method of cartridge recycling, eventually the number of printer supplies that undergo recycling increased over time. Thus, more consumers are gradually accepting the market for recycled toner cartridges and ink cartridges from which aside from the fact that they save money through using it, they also aid on sustainability.

    Author

    Fiel Mori Promotes Eco Friendly stuffs and creating environment friendly articles for everyone @PrintGreen



    Archives

    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012


    Categories

    All
    Eco Friendly
    Eco Friendly
    Eco Friendly Stuffs
    Eco Friendly Toner Cartridges
    Green Technology
    Hp
    Organic Stuffs
    Printer Cartridges
    Printer Paper
    Recycling
    Remanufactured Cartridges
    Technology