That's a good point. Duplex printing is better because it helps use less paper, up to 50% less with an even number of pages. Now if only we could eliminate that other 50%, like maybe use digital documents instead of printing.
That might require helping some people obtain devices to read our documents, either temporarily (borrowing, public, etc.) or permanently (saving up, hand-me-down, gift, etc.). No need to provide 6.8 billion devices, just do so within our circles, just people we want to give the document. It may not be feasible with every document at first, but by trying to do that we will be thinking ahead for the next document and the next. The people we influenced with this real experience will be able to appreciate it firsthand, or maybe not, it depends. For those whom it ends up working out, they'll be natural examples of the possibilities and others can be inspired. After all, that's how we got into having personal printers, it was really convenient for others and it looked like something we could do too.
It's not just paper (which sometimes is made from other fibers than trees) and the waste of not reusing materials. It's much more than that. There's also all of those supposedly disposable ink and toner cartridges that being wasted, and being a continuous expense on anyone maintaing a printer. Not to mention the pollution in the air during printing and from the pages afterwards.
Come to think of it, I'm starting to relate printers with combustion-based automobiles, but so much for the pollution and waste that promote with their use. I'm thinking more along the lines of maintenance. Without ink and paper, the printer is useless. Similar to combustion-based automobiles, supplies get used up and you have go somewhere else to get more supplies, as well as pay for it throughout its lifespan.
Hmm, and similarly, just like electric cars eliminate a lot of the maintenance and supplies needed (no oil, oil filters, spark plugs, brake pads, starter, muffler, etc.), a lot of maintenance and supplies are eliminated by not having a printer. And that translated into saving money!
Forget saving the planet, it's not going anywhere and it'll just end up having something else living on it whose health isn't affected by our waste and pollution. You know, in a thousand years or so. Instead, save your money! It's going everywhere and you may never see it again! Reduce the use of so-called diposables and you reduce your money being disposed.
The pictures of your children in your wallet are getting lonely without the Presidents' pictures to keep them company! Does no one think of the children anymore! Or well, uhm, their pictures at least? Reduce the need for a printer and you increase the livelihood of your poor wallet. Long live the wallet! :-D
