Green Tips for your Office Environment

NextGen Automation • October 28, 2021

Ideas for making your office eco-friendlier and more efficient

Being green in the office isn't as complicated or expensive as one may think. If your office wants to be more environmentally friendly, there are dozens of things you can do. The following are just a few that can be easily implemented and will make a significant impact in time.

Recycle Used Toner Cartridges

Not sure what to do with your used toner cartridges? Toner cartridges are full of chemicals that take a long time to break down, which is why you don't want them to end up in a landfill.


Several of our suppliers offer recycling programs for ink and toner cartridges. Follow our instructions here to get a pre-paid shipping label to send back your empties. Not only are you doing good for the environment, but it’s also an excellent way for your company to be more sustainable.


Create a Recycling Center
Implement an easy-to-follow recycling center in your office and train your employees on responsible waste disposal. Provide clear signage for each type of waste at each designated station and visual elements, such as example items, indicating which bin it belongs in.


Invest in Office Plants
With a growing amount of time spent indoors, being outside has become increasingly important for our wellbeing. You may be surprised to find out that plants reduce anxiety and stress in the office. In addition to beautifying the office environment, they increase productivity and uplift the atmosphere as well. You can't go wrong.


Reduce paper usage in your office

Access whatever you need at your fingertips. With our cloud computing services, we manage documents digitally. Here are a few ways to reduce paper consumption:


  • Implementing digital agreements
  • Use note-taking apps for meetings
  • Online questionnaires for external and internal performances
  • Use online project management tools to map out to-do lists and tasks
  • Send emails rather than letters
  • Use online invoicing to handle client payments


Buy a Multi-Function Printer

Consider a multifunction printer - a device that accomplishes all tasks. Instead of having multiple machines for different tasks, multifunction printers can print, copy, scan, and fax from the same device. Energy-saving features such as eco-mode allow these devices to use less energy than individual machines. Among other things, you can make your printer more environmentally friendly by: 


  • Using recycled paper
  • Utilize both sides of the sheet of paper when printing, if possible
  • Recycle old toner cartridges
  • If you don't need high-quality prints, use Eco-mode

 

Conserve Energy & Reduce Power Consumption
Whenever possible, use energy-saving features on all your devices (such as printers, microwaves, air conditioners, etc.). Most modern gadgets have these energy-saving options or eco-modes, which are easy to use. When not in use, make sure all equipment is turned off. Even when plugged in, these electrical devices drain power. By doing so, you can reduce energy consumption and save money.


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By NextGen Automation October 1, 2025
NextGen Automation is pleased to announce that, as of September 18, 2025, it has acquired Gold Business Technologies, Gold Business Machines and Island Office Equipment. Gold, a well-established leader in office technology, has proudly served businesses across Western Canada for more than 40 years. Since 1984, Golds has built its reputation on integrity, innovation, and people-first service. As a trusted partner of Kyocera, Canon, and M-Files, Golds has helped organizations simplify their print environments, streamline document workflows, and adopt smarter digital solutions. Their focus on exceeding customer expectations and delivering reliable, long-term value has made them a cornerstone in the business community. This acquisition marks an important step in NextGen Automation’s growth across Western Canada. By combining the Gold Group of Companies legacy of service and expertise with NextGen’s expanding portfolio of Managed IT, Cybersecurity, Print, and Office Technology Solutions, we are creating a stronger partner for businesses that rely on technology every day. Clients of the Gold Group of Companies can expect a seamless transition with the same commitment to responsive service and trusted support they’ve always valued, now strengthened by the added expertise, infrastructure, and resources of NextGen Automation. “We’re proud to welcome the Gold Group of Companies to the NextGen family,” said Troy Schmeichel, President of NextGen Automation . “Their reputation for exceptional service and their commitment to doing right by their customers align perfectly with our own values. This partnership isn’t just about expanding reach, it’s about strengthening the promise we make to our clients: smarter solutions, better service, and people-first support.”
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