Below is a short list of suggestions to save money using technology. If you have other suggestions on using technology to cut costs, send to TellTuesday@k-state.edu.
- Set the default on printers (when possible) to print double-sided instead of single-sided pages. (This one change to printers in the K-State InfoCommons and university computing labs resulted in a reduction of more than 400,000 fewer sheets of paper used, which is equivalent to 800 fewer reams of paper or 32 boxes.)
- Send communications including memos, notices, and updates via e-mail, thus eliminating paper.
- Purchase an inexpensive scanner such as a ScanSnap and connect it to an administrative assistant’s computer. Any information on paper that needs to be shared with staff can be scanned, quickly converted to a PDF, and then e-mailed as an attachment.
- Consolidate printers in an office to one or two. Ask if there is really a need for individuals to have their own printer.
- Extend the warranty on computers. Consider computer replacement on a four- to five-year cycle instead of the more common three-year replacement cycle.
- Consider purchasing only laptops for faculty and staff in your unit. In some instances, departments currently purchase both a “tower” type computer and a laptop for personnel. Purchasing only one computing device saves on support costs and software. Include a docking station for the laptop that acts like a desktop in the office and then can be undocked and used as a laptop elsewhere. An inexpensive back-up storage device is recommended.
- Don’t replace monitors when making computer purchases.
- Consider electricity usage. Perhaps equipment can be turned off when not in use, instead of leaving it on 365 days of the year.
- Suggest the purchase of a netbook for traveling faculty who want to check e-mail, browse the Web, or make simple document files. The average netbook is about $300-$500.
- Explore the use of open-source, free software solutions.
- Participate in bulk computer purchases conducted twice a year.
Eric Dover, Marin Dowlin, and Ernie Perez contributed to this article.
