Instead of throwing away copy paper that has been run through the printer or copier, I have started to save them. Place the used paper in a file folder or appropriate sized box to keep the corners flat and paper unwrinkled. I then use the back of these sheets to print proof reading copies or other things where it doesn't matter if the back has already been used. It can really save money and resources. I do this at home and at work and feel good about getting all the use I can out of every sheet of paper.
By Beverly from Lambert, MS
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
I also use the paper for jotting notes,grocery lists, for grandkids drawings and paintings.
I also use the back-side printing for printed copies of online financial transactions, orders, etc. once posted on their site, or received email confirmation, I shred the document. Also check your printer setting to see if the setting is at about 300dpi, some are set at 600dpi, which is a waste of ink for just everyday printing.
Excellent idea, one which I used for years at our business. Sometimes, it was difficult to tell if it was for re-cycle, or which side was the new side info. So, I started to ink a big X on the no-longer-needed side before re-use. That proved too time-consuming, so since our printer had a side load for copying on the back side, I placed a stack of paper in and put one page with an 'X' on under the copier lid, then ran the stack through, easily X-ing out the print side, so I knew then it was info. no longer needed. I hope this makes sense! Blessings.
Unless it is something that is very important, remember to set your printer on "fast draft" to save ink too.
We have been doing this for years. We ask friends to reuse the blank side of paper, & if they don't, give the paper to us! Good way to the message around to conserve trees and energy, by example..
I also save them and let my grand-kids draw or color on them. They are always wanting a blank piece of paper.
I tended to waste an awful lot of paper when I first got my printer. What I do now is, I fold and cut A4 paper into 4 pieces (unused side) rather than 'bin' them. When there are enough to make a decent scribble pad, staple together. Hey presto! No more buying pads from the Stationers. This also saves trees.
patsone south Australia
Great post. Over the years Ive ordered dozens of catalogs that were printed with less than expected quality, some being downright scrappy. A couple months ago my company in Hobe Sound FL, printed some catalogs with PCA Delta on both sides of the paper and they were great. I've been printing with them ever since. They show care for the environment by using soy based inks, plus recycled papers are available upon request. If you need items printed on recycled paper go to www.pcadeltaprinting.com/
I have been doing this for quite some time and it really saves paper. Now if only I could figure out how to save on ink as I really print out a lot of "stuff". Terri
This is a huge DON'T in the IT World. It deposits ink/toner in the paper path and causes the rollers to wear out prematurely. Also, paper that has gone through the fuser (laser jets) is dried out and curls causing jams in the paper path. If you want to cut the life of your printer in half, do what Beverly does.
Source: 14 years IT Experience.
Hi, how do you know which side to put up in the printer? thx!
It depends on your printer and how it takes the paper. It is often with the printing side up and with the top toward the printer but I've seen it the other way too. Best idea might be to try one first before you do a bunch.
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
I decided a bit ago to recycle the paper that comes from our printer, we always for some reason get an extra one or two when we print something. I used to tear them up for scratch paper, but I started turning them over and put them back into the printer to use again. My husband thought that was a good idea.
By Jamish from Ransom, Kansas
It's possible that your printer is set up to deliver more than 1 copy of each printing job. It's simple to fix, but you might need to look up the instructions for your particular printer. (08/21/2007)
By Holly
do you get many paper jams? (10/07/2007)
I am always looking for pads to write notes but find the 3-by-5-inch pads from the office-supply store to be too pricey. I am finding that I generate considerable pieces of 8-by-10 papers from my printer. One side is blank, so I cut them into four pieces and staple them together. Now I have pads strategically placed around the house, always within reach, at no cost. It is a good thing to use something that normally I would have trashed!
By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX
I REUSE MY USED PRINTER PAPER BY USING THE CLEAN BACKSIDE OF THE PAPER, ESPECIALLY FOR COPYING RECIPIES, WHICH I COPY A LOT. (03/28/2006)
By bill
Hi Bobbie, Besides using the used Printer paper, I keep the junk mail sheets that are not printed on both sides. I use them for grocery lists, to to lists & my schedules for each day of the week. Just listing Mon. thru Fri. when I have Drs. appt. or classes or perm day &time. Every little bit helps.
My Mum did this too when we were kids. Juanita from Chicago, Il. (03/28/2006)
By Juanita
I save those papers and give to my gradchildren to color on....they love it and it saves me a lot on new paper and coloring books. (03/29/2006)
By Memere
The elementary school sends home many papers, most of which must be kept for about a week, then get recycled. We use those papers as scrap paper, for grocery lists, notes to each other... (03/29/2006)
By kidsNclutter
I use the junk mailers that have a blank side for note paper, along with papers from the printer as well. Recently for my birthday, a pal gave me a decorative cube of note papers for my kitchen. I didn't have the heart to tell her that my kitchen cube was already stashed with "homemade" papers & that I have a never ending stash from junk mail, etc. Just to think that some people actually buy paper notepads, etc.! (03/29/2006)
By badwater
