Anytime that a quality copy isn't necessary use "grayscale" and lower quality print settings, such as "draft" or "fast print".
MORE INFORMATION:
These settings can usually be found under "Preferences" when you are ready to print. Use the pull-down menu to print rather than the printer icon on your toolbar and you'll be able to adjust your printing options as needed.
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I've taught my teens to do this also, since they have so many reports for school.
SLS-NY2IN9/4/2010 12:29:00 AM
I have used this idea before but I seldom use my printer and kind of forgot about doing this. Thanks.
NONIE689/2/2010 10:03:00 PM
I have been doing this for a long time. We waste way to much ink. Especially my children and since they have to buy their own themselves now they use less.
DLGILBERT9/2/2010 10:08:00 AM
We have done this for a long time. sometimes you cannot change the settings before you print, like coupons where they instantly print out. I have a setting that says FAST - this will also use less ink in color printing.
JIBBIE499/1/2010 11:37:00 PM
I didn't know you could do this. My kids went through SO much printer ink, but I did get cartridges refilled at a printing company for $16 rather than buy new ones for $28.
Related Secrets
Save Money When Printing
Never buy a computer printer based on the sale price. It totally doesn't matter. One company in particular *coughHPcough* puts their printers on sale at super low cost. That's because they don't make their money selling printers, they make money selling INK! Next time you want a printer, go to the ink aisle to find the cheapest ink cartridge and buy the corresponding printer. Of course I have a cousin so bitter that rather than buying $30 ink refills, he buys $32 printers every time 246
I return used ink cartridges to Staples for 3 dollars each, sometimes 6 dollars each, (maximum 10 per month) and receive a check to use on future ink purchases. Today I used my check to purchase 3 new ink cartridges specifically made for my printer.
One quick way to save some cash is to recycle your old ink cartridges, printers, computers, etc. for cash towards your next purchase. For instance, Staples gives $2 staples rewards for each recycled ink cartridge. HP will issue cash/credit for recycled printers, computers, etc. What a great way to help the environment, as well as save you some money!
MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.hp.com/united-states/hho/buyback-recycle/index.html
