Print Smarter, Not Less: Five Sustainable Practices for Modern Workplaces

There’s a growing misconception that printing is inherently unsustainable. You’ve probably seen the phrase “Please consider the environment before printing” at the bottom of countless emails. But the truth is more nuanced—and more hopeful.

Paper isn’t the enemy. It’s one of the most renewable, recyclable resources we use daily. Responsible forestry, sustainable inks, and smarter energy use have all transformed the print world into something far greener than most people realize. At SumnerOne, we believe sustainability isn’t about printing less—it’s about printing smarter.

Here are five sustainable printing practices that help you reduce your footprint without compromising your workflow—or falling for outdated myths.

1. Choose Sustainably Sourced Paper

Paper isn’t a threat to forests. The majority of commercial paper comes from trees grown on responsibly managed tree farms—similar to crops like soybeans or corn. These forests are carefully replanted and managed to support long-term ecological health and economic sustainability.

 Look for FSC® or PEFC™ certification when sourcing your paper stock. These symbols mean the materials come from forests that meet high environmental and social standards.

2. Embrace a Circular Approach to Paper Use

Recycling is a key part of responsible printing—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Instead of focusing solely on how much paper we use, it’s more impactful to think about how we manage that use across its lifecycle.

By choosing recycled or partially recycled paper, collecting used pages for recycling, and properly disposing of toner cartridges, your organization supports a closed-loop system. This kind of circular thinking helps reduce waste and ensures that valuable materials are reused—not discarded.

Sustainability isn't about using less for the sake of less. It's about using resources wisely and keeping them in motion.

3. Activate Energy-Saving Printer Settings

Modern printers are more innovative and more energy-efficient than ever. Enable low-power or sleep mode when idle, and schedule devices to power down outside of business hours. These simple adjustments help reduce your carbon footprint without disrupting productivity.

4. Opt for Low-Impact Ink

Eco-friendly ink options have come a long way. Many water-based, soy-based, and algae-based inks deliver vibrant, long-lasting results—minus the environmental toxins. These inks are an excellent choice for companies who want to align print quality with sustainability.

5. Design with Efficiency in Mind

Smart design reduces excess without reducing impact. Whether it’s resizing a flyer to fit two-up on a page or simplifying brochure layouts to cut down on pages, efficiency in design can reduce ink and paper usage without compromising your message.

Bonus: Less waste in design often translates to lower production costs.

Printing remains an essential part of doing business—and it can also be a responsible one. By sourcing materials thoughtfully, using energy wisely, and designing with sustainability in mind, companies can take meaningful steps toward a greener future.

It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing things better. At SumnerOne, we help businesses make smart, sustainable choices at every stage of the printing process. Let’s build a more efficient, environmentally conscious future—one thoughtful print job at a time.

At SumnerOne, we’re here to help businesses make environmentally smart decisions at every stage of the print process. Let’s build a greener future—together. Contact us today!