MyBinding Knowledge Base
Are there environmentally friendly shredder features?
Consumers everywhere are becoming more concerned with going green. But how much can you really do that in an office environment where everything is electronic? While some energy use is necessary, you can choose equipment that minimizes your consumption. One piece of machinery often found in any business is a paper shredder. Here are some features to look for that will keep your workplace environmentally friendly.
- Lower energy consumption. Many models offer an automatic start feature. This turns on the machine when items are inserted into the feed instead of running it continuously. Additionally, at least one brand of shredders on the market provides an idle state that doesn’t use extra electricity. This allows the machine to run only when needed.
- Automatic shut off. A large portion of electricity in any office is wasted on powering unused machines. Many shredders are equipped with an automatic shut off. These devices are programmed to turn off the motor after sitting idle for a certain amount of time.
- Separate waste compartments. Shredders today can accommodate a variety of items other than paper. However, these items most often can’t go into the recycle bin. The greenest machines offer segregated waste for paper and plastic remnants. The staples and paperclips that sometimes end up with paper waste are fine to recycle. Different bins allow you to easily toss the plastic and recycle the paper.
- Recyclable or reusable shred bags. Single use plastic bags are on their way out in our increasingly environmentally conscious society. Today’s shredders often come with a reusable bag. Some are outfitted to work with recyclable paper bags. Whether you choose to reuse or recycle, either option reduces the amount of waste in our landfills.
- Reusable shred bin. Even better than a recyclable bag is a bin you can reuse. This further decreases the amount of shredding accessories needed. Simply empty the shred bin into your recycling container and replace the bin back into the waste compartment.
- Renewable materials. Look for a machine housed in a wooden cabinet. Wood is a much more renewable resource than the heavy steel or plastics used to create office equipment. Wood will break down quicker once discarded. And as an added bonus, the wood will act as a noise reducer by absorbing sound waves put out by the motor.
- Lifetime warranty. A machine built to last will need replacing much later than a cheap device. High quality steel blades are designed to shred for 20 years or more. With a model you can use for years, you’ll save money on costly repairs or replacement while saving a landfill from one more clunky machine.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
