Printing policy checklist
Posted: 13.02.09 | Created by: Do Something
To become 'Paper-Less' you need to create a printing policy that everyone at work believes in. Ask for suggestions and get staff involved at the development stage to give them a sense of ownership.
Here's a printing policy checklist you can adapt to your office needs:
Before printing…
- use spell check and print preview on screen to proofread your documents for errors before you print.
- use the revision and 'track changes' features in word processing software to edit draft documents on screen. If you’re team editing a document, use the ‘Comment & Markup’ tool in Adobe Acrobat PDF. This allows multiple people to input their comments into a document - these comments can then be grouped and assembled into a single document with all comments on show. This is an invaluable tool when an SME is writing or reviewing corporate documents.
When printing is unavoidable…
- set computer defaults to print double-sided and, where possible, two up (printing two pages on one sheet of paper)
- print only the page range and only the number of copies needed
- print more words per page by changing the default to reduce margins, and using a space-efficient font like Times New Roman.
After printing…
- reuse single-sided sheets for notes, draft printing and incoming faxes
- recycle - put a recycling bin next to all of your printers, copiers and fax machines.
Buy responsibly…
- buy only FSC certified paper. Wherever possible, make sure that this contains recycled content. Also check to ensure that the bleaching process is oxygen based and not chlorine based.
Recycle…
- recycle all of your office paper.
- if your office doesn’t recycle yet, start a recycling paper program - it will reduce your office waste levels and minimise waste to landfill.
Reuse…
- envelopes by placing labels over the old address
- large boxes by flattening and storing till needed.
Read our tips on how to turn your paper electronic.
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