The only true eco-friendly way to print is to not print at all. But in business that is unrealistic. So if you’re in the market to buy a printer for your home or office, then make sure it offers automatic double-sided printing (duplexing) to save trees and the cost of paper; includes scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities and is Wi-Fi enabled to limit emissions from multiple printers and other office equipment; and is rated as Energy Star Qualified by the EPA and the Department of Energy.
Here is a look at three eco-friendly printers on the market this fall:
Canon PIXMA MX870
Pros: At 9600 x 2400 dpi, the MX870 has a better color print resolution than the other three printers. Easy-WebPrint EX prints only the section of a Web page that you are interested in. Auto Photo Fix II color corrects faces and scenery.
Cons: You can’t do both wired and wireless printing at the same time. Easy-WebPrint Ex is not compatible with Mac OS. www.usa.canon.com/green
HP OfficeJet Pro 8500A Plus
Pros: The printer has a unique e-mail address, which allows you to print directly to the unit from anywhere in the world using any mobile device or e-mail address. You can also print Web content right from the printer’s 4.3-inch touch screen from sites in the app center www.hp.com/go/eprintcenter. Save paper by creating a digital fax or an e-mail for review before printing.
Cons: Expensive and heavy. At nearly 28 pounds it’s almost 10 pounds heavier than the Epson.www.hp.com/ecosolutions
Epson Workforce 610
Pros: Prints black documents up to twice as fast as leading inkjets in its price range. Print images from the unit without a computer. Free lifetime phone support, even out of warranty with no additional charges.
Cons: Spend twice the time with manual-only duplexing.
www.epson.com/environment