There’s a growing misconception that printing is inherently unsustainable. You’ve probably seen the phrase “Please consider the environment before printing” at the bottom of countless emails. But the truth is more nuanced—and more hopeful.

Paper isn’t the enemy. It’s one of the most renewable, recyclable resources we use daily. Responsible forestry, sustainable inks, and smarter energy use have all transformed the print world into something far greener than most people realize. At SumnerOne, we believe sustainability isn’t about printing less—it’s about printing smarter.

Here are five sustainable printing practices that help you reduce your footprint without compromising your workflow—or falling for outdated myths.

At SumnerOne, Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of our ongoing commitment to building a more sustainable future. We believe in responsible technology, thoughtful printing practices, and partnerships that support environmental resilience. That’s why we’re proud to work with Print Releaf, an innovative program that turns printed pages into planted trees.

Contrary to common misconceptions, using paper does not inherently harm the environment. In fact, when sourced from sustainably managed forests—just like cash crops such as soy or wheat—paper is part of a renewable, circular system that plays a valuable role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting biodiversity.

With that in mind, schools can still take smart steps to make their printing practices even more sustainable—without discrediting paper use. It’s not about printing less; it’s about printing smarter.

As sustainability takes center stage across industries, federal and state agencies are under increasing pressure to lead by example. Green procurement—also known as sustainable or environmentally preferable purchasing—is no longer a niche initiative. It’s a mandated and mission-critical effort to reduce environmental impact, comply with executive orders, and set the standard for sustainable operations.

As Earth Month encourages businesses worldwide to reassess their environmental footprints, law firms face a particularly significant opportunity: transforming traditional documentation practices into eco-friendly, sustainable solutions. While legal work has historically relied heavily on paper, innovative technology and sustainable printing practices can significantly reduce environmental impact.  

Each day at work we do things that impact the environment. Whether it's driving your car to the office, making multiple copies, or not recycling that soda can at lunch. Your actions make an impact. At SumnerOne, we may not be able to enforce an office-wide recycling initiative for you, however, we do have a solution for helping the environment through your printing habits. This solution is something that we like to call: PrintReleaf.

Have you ever noticed that New Year’s Resolutions jive perfectly with the start of another fiscal year for many companies?  This year, we’re offering our top New Year’s Resolutions for creating a smart office to help kick your year into high gear while keeping your budget in line: