PRINTERS, FAXES & MULTI-FUNCTION DEVICES

The environmental loads from the production, service and use of Printers, Faxes & Multifunction Devices are widespread and numerous.

Therefore it is important to develop low energy products containing re-usable and or recyclable components in order to reduce the amount pollutants going into the environment, and reduce the amount of energy they use.

The environmentally conscious consumer aims to identify environmental performance criteria for the most harmful environmental and human hazards of printers and fax machines, and to use these criteria as indicators of general environmental performance those products that are environmentally preferable.

Products which are environmentally preferable would promote:

• The minimisation of material types and amount used

• The minimisation of environmentally hazardous substances during manufacturing/use

• The reduction of  energy consumption and noise during use

• The environmental issues of disposal and recycling at the end of the useful consumption lifecycle

For more specific information on these products use the Good Environmental Choice Standard for Printers, Faxes & Multi-Function Devices in Australia. This standard is used to assess the environmental performance of these products and determine if they deserve the Australian 'Good Environmental Choice' Label.

GECA 14-2004 - PRINTERS, FAXES & MULTI-FUNCTION DEVICES

GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICES

• Choose devices that do not contain hazardous components

• Choose devices that accept recycled paper

• Choose devices that have a good energy consumption rating

• Turn off devices when not in use to reduce 'stand-by' power

• Opt for recycled paper when using such devices

• Devices that use non-toxic and biodegradable inks