Which is Worse: Throwing Out Folders or a Label Maker?
One of my best friends in the office is a label maker. It is a small machine that has a keyboard with a tiny screen and all it does is output sticky labels. I finally got one to get some serious organizing done and I find it truly makes my filing 10 times easier.
I also re-use my folders this way, by applying new labels over the old ones.
Yet, I have to wonder. Which is worse for the environment: Throwing out used folders and killing more trees to make new ones, or re-using folders by sticking on a label that requires new tape, a piece of electronics, and waste in the form of a used tape cartridge?
Another option is to create new labels with a computer, but that also takes up paper, involves adhesive, and uses up printer ink.
I suppose I could just handwrite on the sheet of computer labels, but for some reason that seems to drop my productivity and organization by a huge amount.
I think my biggest concern with the portable label maker is the cartridge. There seems to be no way to recycle it.
Perhaps I should just get one of those old fashioned label creators, that punches it out on a simple roll of tape.
But then I wouldn’t have my fancy label-making toy. See…I’m now justifying my e-waste. Shameful, really. Oh well.
Tags: label maker
What kind of label maker do you have? I have a Brother PT-1180 and you can mail your used cartridges to them, free of charge. Just print a label off of their website.
I was kinda wondering about the Brother program, but they say all Brother consumable items, not just toner and ink. Presumably that includes tape cartridges too.
http://www.brother-usa.com/environment/TonerInkDisposal.aspx