What are your frugal and sustainable tips and tricks?

[gtaus]

For me, I print stuff so infrequently I just go to the library or print shop on the very rare occasion I need something printed

I think that makes a lot of sense. The total cost of owning a computer printer that you don't use very much can be really expensive per printed page.

Our print shop (Office Depot) went out of business. So, that is no longer an option. I had not thought about going to the library for printing. I know you can make copies there for a small fee, but I'll have to look into printing costs. That's a good idea for someone who does not need a printer.

I am really trying to use .pdf documents on my tablet or computer instead of hardcopy paper books in hand. I have to admit, I feel better with a good book in my hand. But I'm an old guy. Anyways, I got a foreign language textbook in .pdf format that I was considering printing out. Even with my laser printer, I calculated it would cost me almost 2X as much to print it myself at home compared to ordering the same book new from Amazon. If you don't mind buying used, I have found ThriftBooks has many of the books I wanted at deep discount. In any case, both options were less expensive than printing out complete books on my home printer.

 

[Molpet]

I think that makes a lot of sense. The total cost of owning a computer printer that you don't use very much can be really expensive per printed page.

Our print shop (Office Depot) went out of business. So, that is no longer an option. I had not thought about going to the library for printing. I know you can make copies there for a small fee, but I'll have to look into printing costs. That's a good idea for someone who does not need a printer.

I am really trying to use .pdf documents on my tablet or computer instead of hardcopy paper books in hand. I have to admit, I feel better with a good book in my hand. But I'm an old guy. Anyways, I got a foreign language textbook in .pdf format that I was considering printing out. Even with my laser printer, I calculated it would cost me almost 2X as much to print it myself at home compared to ordering the same book new from Amazon. If you don't mind buying used, I have found ThriftBooks has many of the books I wanted at deep discount. In any case, both options were less expensive than printing out complete books on my home printer.

I have found the last few years that used books can be as much or more as new.

 

[gtaus]

I have found the last few years that used books can be as much or more as new.

I suppose it depends on the book. I buy a number of foreign language books and textbooks. They were maybe $25 new and I got them for around $5 each. But I always check prices against Amazon to see if the used price is a deal or not.

 

[gtaus]

For me, I print stuff so infrequently I just go to the library or print shop on the very rare occasion I need something printed

I had some errands to run in town today, so I stopped by our library to see what their printing fees were per page. As I suspected, if you only need a few sheets printed out on the very rare occasion, your strategy of going to the library for printing makes a lot of sense. No need to buy an expensive printer.

For anyone wondering what the "average" cost of printing is for laser, inkjets, or bulk inkjet printers is, compared to my local library fee, here is a quick table I built with CoPilot AI....

 

[fuzzi]

I had some errands to run in town today, so I stopped by our library to see what their printing fees were per page. As I suspected, if you only need a few sheets printed out on the very rare occasion, your strategy of going to the library for printing makes a lot of sense. No need to buy an expensive printer.

For anyone wondering what the "average" cost of printing is for laser, inkjets, or bulk inkjet printers is, compared to my local library fee, here is a quick table I built with CoPilot AI....

View attachment 4237853

This is good to know. I haven't owned a printer in years, my boss told me it was okay to use our printer. I will lose that privilege at the end of November, when I retire.

 

[Sally PB]

the end of November, when I retire.

Congratulations! I highly recommend retirement. Not driving 75-80 miles every day to commute to work is my frugal tip.

 

[fuzzi]

Congratulations! I highly recommend retirement. Not driving 75-80 miles every day to commute to work is my frugal tip.

Thank you!

 

[Smokerbill]

I agree that laser printers are the way to go if you don't print many pages during the year. I lost track of how many partially filled inkjet cartridges I threw away because they got plugged up from drying out. Mine also has a copy function that I use as much or more than printing pages.

 

[TooCheep]

Yup. Another vote for an inexpensive AIO (all-in-one) laser printer. Does scanning, copying and printing if color isn't a priority and/or you print such low volume that ink dry out/clogging is a problem. I've had my Brother AIO for about 5 years now and it has been great. The cartridges last forever.