In an increasingly digital business landscape, physical consumables and office supplies are still imperative to the smooth and efficient functioning of virtually all companies. In the light of recent increased levels of environmental awareness and sustainability concerns, the manner in which they are used has however altered greatly from the practices of previous decades. Prior to the implementation of computer technology, logging and communication was heavily reliant upon pen and ink. Although the dawn of the fax machine and photocopier took some of the hands-on notation out of the equation: they brought with them the necessary purchase of the appropriate paper formats and cartridges/ribbons. As such until very recently (with the advent of email and networked servers), the carbon footprint of even clerical organisations was at a level which would be of serious concern to modern businesses. Given that it is now the norm to communicate electronically without the need to use paper or other disposable media, wastage from administration is considerably lower than previously: but it is still necessary to utilise consumables. Although information can easily be saved and shared using computers, sometimes print outs are compulsory. Equally, there are myriad circumstances in which a pen and paper are considerably more useful for taking notes than a laptop. Bearing in mind the fact that office consumables are still necessary whilst environmental ethics are of imminent relevance, it is of no real surprise that recycled paper and refilled printer cartridges are increasing their market share consistently. This growth is enforced by a simultaneous fall in price and rise in quality of these products. True sustainability is however only achievable if these more ethically sourced and manufactured products are allied with equally sensible usage. Simply ensuring that only that which needs to be printed is printed and that wastage is avoided on all fronts can make a world of difference with regard to the environmental impact of a company's operations. It is a welcome cultural shift that many businesses are pushing an emphasis on digital communication and attempting to detract from excessive consumption of office supplies, stationery and their ilk. It is no surprise that this is the case, as even putting conservational concerns aside: minimised waste and consumption means lower overheads to the organisation. In fact, purchasing recycled products from a highly competitive online office supplies retailer and using them only as and when required can save the company and the planet a great deal.
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