HP is known for office technology, but its Design for the Environment Strategy touches every aspect of our business, including products and services, development and scientific research, and supply chain management throughout the world. Our goals: to drive simplicity, to innovate, to influence industry action and to drive our own stewardship.

Here are 10 easy ways any business can make a difference:

1. Conserve energy. Turning off equipment during “off” business hours can save up to 66% of the normal power consumption.
2. Produce double-sided documents whenever possible. Companies can achieve at least a 25% savings by setting duplex as a standard.
3. Reduce fax-related paper waste. Digital images can be captured and sent directly from a scanner or computer without requiring a printed hard copy.
4. Recycle. Choose suppliers that take back packaging, supplies and hardware for reuse.
5. Eliminate hazardous materials. Many companies have toxic substances, such as used batteries and copier toner, on hand. Talk to suppliers about alternatives to toxic materials, and be sure to properly dispose of materials you can’t avoid using.
6. Use energy-efficient products. This can help reduce your overall total cost of ownership.
7. Buy sustainable products. Set specific goals for buying recycled, refurbished or used goods.
8. Use a Balanced Deployment Model. Selective desktop, centralized workgroup and data center printing will reduce overall power consumption and supplies costs.
9. Involve employees. A team can help determine where the company can have the biggest impact for the least money.
10. Communicate. Inform suppliers and customers about your efforts. Also, get in touch with local regulatory agencies. Many offer financial incentives to businesses that make progress on local, state or municipal green initiatives.