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.
I love technology but I am also quite aware of the negative impact it can have on the environment. Still, I think it's technology that has the most potential to save us. Here you'll find articles on the green tech aka clean tech, such as alternative fuel, green computing, and e-cycling. You'll also hear about the "green" and the "tech" - from green household cleaners to why Linux is the progressive operating system of choice.