I've done some research into eco-inks, made from vegetable oils rather than conventional petroleum-based ones. This is what I've found so far...

Date:   4/3/2008 4:33:03 PM ( 16 y ago)

1) Eco-Print:
http://www.ecoprint.com/inks.shtml


This company makes ink that is vegetable-oil based. They make two kinds of ink "containing less than 2% volatile organic compounds (VOCs)**. By using ink that is 98% non-evaporative, polluting emissions are virtually eliminated. More eco-friendly than most soy-based inks."

A second formulation of eco-inks "carry the high environmental standards of our standard Eco-ink, but go even farther because they're specially formulated to be free from environmentally toxic metals like copper and barium."

In addition, the company states: "We Are 100% Wind Powered+ Carbon Neutral"

They are a printing company that caters to organizations and businesses only; I also found them listed in Co-Op America's National Green Pages
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/detail.cfm?key=10177



2) GreenDot
http://www.greendotprint.com/


"WELCOME to Greendot, the premiere environmental printing resource.

Our progressive, environmentally friendly print processes, which feature non-toxic vegetable/soy inks, the highest quality recycled/post-consumer-waste papers, and 50 years of print production experience - make our company the standard choice for green offset & digital printing.

We service all types of businesses: both large and small, local and international, non-profit and corporate. All Greendot clients share a common goal: a commitment to quality, and to the environment - without compromising either ideal. Let us show you how well we can serve all of your printing needs, from business cards to magazines."

They are also in the National Green pages:
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/detail.cfm?key=15174




Both of these are commercial printing companies; so far I haven't been able to find any companies that make eco-friendly ink cartridges for home computer printing. If you have a big job to print, I'd suggest using an eco-friendly printing company to do the work for you. Find more eco-friendly printing companies through Co-Op America's Green Pages:
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/
and put in the word "printing" in the "keyword" box.



3) As for ink cartridges that you use at home, make sure you RECYCLE them!! I take my used ink cartridges to CARTRIDGE WORLD. They are 1/2 mile from my house and have 1600 stores worldwide. They refill the recycled cartridges and re-sell them at a cost significantly LESS than brand-new cartridges. You help the Planet at the same time you are saving money!! They do use standard printer ink (petroleum-based), but it's a step in the right direction! More about Cartridge World:
http://www.cartridgeworld.com/


"We are your one stop shop for all your inkjet, laser, fax and photocopier needs. We recycle cartridges, sell new cartridges and wide range of printer accessories."

Find a Cartridge World store near you (USA):
http://www.cartridgeworldusa.com/



4) Use recycled paper content for your home computer printing needs and seek out commercial printers that do the same!

Greenline is a company that sells to businesses and the general public. They have a white multipurpose paper for laser, copier, printer, fax that is 100% post-consumer certified recycled and certified chlorine-free!!

This paper beats anything that I've seen sold in the stores! I checked my recycled computer paper, and it is only 30% post-consumer recycled!! +++


http://www.greenlinepaper.com/office-paper/copy/laser/fax-paper/100-recycled-...


"The use of one ton, representing 40 cartons of 5000 sheets size 8½ x 11, of Rolland Enviro100 Copy switched from virgin paper helps the environment in the following ways:

Saves the equivalent of 17 mature trees
Reduces solid wastes by 1,081 lb.
Reduces the quantity of water used by 10,196 gallons
Reduces suspended particles in the water by 6.9 lb.
Reduces air emissions by 2,098 lb.
Reduces natural gas consumption by 2,478 cubic feet by using biogas"


This company has the Co-op America National Green Pages seal of approval:
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/detail.cfm?key=19104




Thanks for your inquiry!

Blessings, Liora Leah



+++ "Post-consumer" refers to the amount of product that has actually been used by other consumers before, and recycled. You can purchase paper products that say "100% recycled" but when you read the label, maybe only 20 to 30% is actually post-consumer recycled; the rest is "pre-consumer" and is made from saw-mill scraps and wood chips--in other words, the paper is still being made primarily from wood pulp from newly downed trees.


**More about VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) and why they are bad for you and the environment:
http://curezone.com/blogs/c/fm.asp?i=1109817


**Eco-friendlier home computers and laptops:
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=976580

Before buying that new computer, check out the EPA's tool to find all the top high performance computers that are the most energy efficient, have the least heavy metals such as mercury, and are easy to recycle.

 

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