Most IT organizations have already begun to focus on green computing technologies to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs. While most concentrate their efforts on the data center, printers and consumables are one area where organizations can reduce waste too. Small changes can make a difference.

* Consider implementing a multifunction device (MFD) that can do the job of a printer, copier, scanner and fax in one. You’ll have fewer pieces of equipment to plug in and service. Vendors such as Brother, HP, Lexmark, Oki Data and Xerox offer such devices.

* Seek out Energy Star devices from environmentally-responsible manufacturers.

* Consolidate printing equipment to high-volume areas and eliminate the use of personal desktop printers unless there is truly a privacy need for some users such as HR directors to have their own devices.

* Encourage users to print only the pages they need. Rather than printing an entire document, just print the pages they made changes to and need to review.

* Set computer defaults to duplex printing for word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail. You can also reduce images to print more than one per page. Encourage users to make double-sided copies.

* Don’t trash a used print or toner cartridges. Most leading printer manufacturers offer postage-paid labels or envelopes to recycle them.

* Use recycled paper to save trees, energy and landfill space. Place recycling bins near printers.

* Recycle old printers along with old PCs.

Amy Schurr is the former managing features editor of Network World.