GreenPrint Technologies estimates widespread use of its paper-saving software could save more than 100 million trees and reduce global greenhouse gasses by more than 300 million tons. The Portland, OR-based firm markets patent-pending software that analyzes documents before printing to find potential waste—pages that may contain nothing but a URL, banner ad, logo or legal jargon. By removing the dubious items before printing, consumers may be able to savepaper, ink, money, and, of course, trees.
It markets GreenPrint Enterprise Edition for offices with networked printers, as well as a Home Premium edition. But now the software is likely to find its way onto significantly more computers. Just a few weeks ago, the company launched GreenPrint World, a new version of the software that it’s offering free of charge to non-profits and home users worldwide. “Our goal is nothing short of ending wasteful printing worldwide,” says CEO Hayden Hamilton.
It’s probably politically incorrect to criticize a firm that’s demonstrating both generosity and environmental awareness. Unfortunately, however, GreenPrint World is receiving mixed reviews. The large file takes a long time to download, even with a high-speed connection, and some users claim it caused their computers to freeze.
Still, it’s probably worth trying, especially since it incorporates a PDF Writer as an alternative to printing—an application you generally can’t get free of charge.
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Software Shelf’s Print Manager Plus is also great at saving paper and ink.