HP has been involved in environmental conservation programs earlier than many thought. As far back as 1950, the company had already initiated its Global Citizenship (GC) Program to advocate responsibility in the management of digital waste. This program marked HPs first and tangible commitment to fight environmental degradation and reduction of computer dumpsites. This program has cost the company a lot of efforts and money but it is more focused on making the world and local communities better places to live.
HP continues to improve upon its initial objectives spelled under the GC Program. For the past three years, it has been manufacturing its high-end photo paper from only certified sustainable forest product suppliers. Again, HP intends to triple its use of recycled material in the manufacture of its inkjet printers and cartridges. Still more, the company is bent on improving the efficiency of its laser printers by up to 40%.
Though the base corporate objectives of HP will be enough to accomplish this, HP has additionally introduced three add on programs like the Planet Partners, a recycling program for cartridges, Design for Environment Program, the introduction of energy saving features like auto off technology and the web-based carbon Footprint calculator where consumers can asses their printer fleets in terms of power consumption and also compare products to determine suitability for their region.
The results for these initiatives have been very impressive. To date, HP has been able to recycle over 265 million laser jet and inkjet cartridges at its plant in Nashville, TN. HPs recycling program is not vendor specific. Of course, you can send any computer hardware and rechargeable batteries to the plant for recycling. In terms of packaging, HP has been able to save over 1.7m lbs in weight through its improved packaging for inkjet cartridges. These translate into space saving, and lower shipment charges.
One thing stands out from all of HPs efforts to make the environment safer and to also reduce dump sites.
The consumer wins in all cases. They are able to get lower costs, energy-efficient products and get encouraged with their individual environmental conservation efforts
