With environmental concerns gaining in priority it is important to embrace eco-friendly solutions where possible. This top ten details the best office supplies and equipment out there for the green aware, each of the items listed has been specifically designed by the manufacturer to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to an exisiting product; without compromising on quality, practicality or ease of use:
1- Canon Bright Recycled Paper
Canon are renowned for their printers and consumables, with their Bright Recycled Paper range they can confidently add recycled paper to that list. This high quality 80gsm paper is made from 100% reclaimed paper waste and produces brilliant results on all office machines. Available in A3 and A4 sizes this paper is perfect for general printing as well as important presentations and reports.
2- Basildon Bond Recycled Envelopes
Whether for home or office use, these versatile envelopes are available in white or manila and feature peel and seal fastening. Not only is the paper used 100% recycled, but the viewing window is made from corn as opposed to petrochemical plastic meaning less impact on the environment in production and a biodegradable end product which can be processed as paper recycling waste.
3- Ecolabel Recycled Paper Barrel Flipchart Markers
These flipchart marker pens from the appropriately named Ecolabel use water-based ink as opposed to the harmful, solvent based alternatives. In addition to an ecologically sound ink, the barrels of the pens are made from recycled paper which has been treated to offer maximum durability and practicality.
4- Scotch Natural Fibre Film Magic Tape
Scotch Natural Fibre Film Magic Tape is one of the most environmentally aware sticky tape products available. The core is made from 100% recycled cardboard, the dispenser is made from 100% recycled plastic and the tape itself is manufactured using natural fibres as opposed to petrochemicals. This eco-friendly tape is even sold in 100% recycled cardboard packaging (without plastic film) and both the packaging and core can be recycled when the tape runs out.
5- Colop Green Line Word Stamp
This stamp certainly gets our seal of approval. Manufactured from 80% plus recycled plastics, this self-inking stamp is made with eco-awareness in mind. The ink pad provides literally thousands of crisp impressions and the packaging is 100% recycled, uncoloured cardboard. The only aspect of this item which isn't 'green' is the colour of the inkwhich is red for maximum visibility.
6- Rapid Eco Tacker
Also referred to as a 'staple gun' this environmentally ethical Tacker from Rapid's Eco range is manufactured using 80% recycled plastic. Available in a range of sizes for hobby use through to industrial application, all models are shipped in 100% recycled cardboard with soy based ink printing - which mirrors the sustainable nature of the item itself.
7- Jiffy Green Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap and packaging materials in general tend to illicit concern from environmental circles due to the waste they tend to produce. With their Green Bubble Film, Jiffy successfully address this by utilising 100% recycled polythene. Suitable for all forms of cushioning, wrapping and void filling - this recycled material provides maximum protection with minimum environmental impact.
8- Aurora EcoCalc Calculator
The EcoCalc is one of the most environmentally friendly pieces of electrical equipment on the market. With a recycled plastic keyboard, zero air miles travelled and 90% recycled packaging you won't find a more eco-ethical calculator anywhere. In addition to the green credentials of the item and its packaging, the use of solar cells for power mean that this calculator from Aurora doesn't impact on the planet when used either.
9- Concord Half Flap Document Wallets
With their Half Flap Document Wallets, Concord offer the perfect storage receptacle for all of those vital documents (printed on recycled paper we hope). Made from heavyweight, 285 gsm, 100% recycled cardboard these rugged folders help to preserve both the planet and your important paperwork.
10- 5 Star Compatible Inkjet Cartridges
Remanufactured from empty OEM printer cartridges, these compatible inkjet cartridges consist of 70-90% recycled materials and components by weight. In addition to offering a low cost alternative to 'official' branded ink cartridges and a high proportion of recycled materials they are packaged in R-PET blister packs which contain up to 80% recycled plastic. All cartridges comply with the European REACH regulations (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) to assure protection of the environment in manufacture of all parts and materials.
The products listed here are just an example of the huge range of environmentally ethcial office supplies and equipment currently available.