Particularly Virtual

 Did you hear the joke about computers being invented to save paper?  Now that we don’t have to type every page or make mimeograph stencils or those worksheet chemical copies, we  can just choose a number of copies and click print. 

It seems like we need a hard copy of almost everything.  The day is just print-etey, print-etey all through the hours.   I print research information so I can sort through all the matter and find the data I need.  I often keep this research information for future reference, but seldom refer to it after the final reports are done.   I print installation instructions for software and services so I can be away from the instruction screens, yet do the work.   This paper gets shredded to become mulch in the garden or gets fed to the nightcrawlers in the basement.

The sheer volume of paper is overwhelming.  I have found a duplexing printer  which prints the project two sides of the paper an absolute necessity and great help in my paper life.  Whenever possible, I can have one physical sheet with two pages of information.  

Being able to use both sides changes the amount of paper needed — changing pure dollars and cents costs first, management of resources secondly.   I know that paper is made from rapidly growing trees, which are almost weedlike in their life span, making harvest and production their highest and best use.  So, saving a tree isn’t the concern.  But, from a resource management and environmental  perspective, I do not like WASTING the unprinted side of the page.  Or competing for paper supplies with others which can lead to higher prices or even lack.   I do want to show respect for the resources used to turn trees into paper.

I file either in folders, comb bound booklets or three ring binders.  When I can print on both sides of the sheet of paper,  the amount of paper I am storing is automatically cut in half.  The amount of paper and required shelving or other presentation or management equipment is much more appealing.

I use Hewlett Package inkjet duplexing printers.  I do not have them set up for auto-duplexing.  I benefit from making a few decisions now and then.  Some short items don’t need both sides.  Some programs won’t work with auto-duplexing

Hewlett Packard, LexMark and Brother all make reasonably priced laser printers which accommodate duplexers.

Adding the duplexing option will add cost to your original investment in a printer.  I have had two and each time the duplexer added close to $100 to the price of the printer.

I haven’t experience with a laser printer that does duplexing and cannot speak to speed.  The method will result in slower printing for the inkjet.  The printer prints one side, then has to pause, pull the paper back into the machine, where it is rolled in the duplexer add-on, then printed.  The actual  printing process isn’t influenced, but the pause and direction change take time and energy.

When considering the pluses and minuses, I’m very pleased with this printing option for the type of work that I do.

  Thank you for stopping by to read my post!  JudyAnn Lorenz