Green Computing

The latest way to be more environmentally conscious is to save your computer files differently. The conservation organization WWF has recently launched its own file type. Basically it is identical to a PDF with one exception-it can't be printed. This is an attempt to try and reduce the amount of paper wasted in offices around the world. Offices and educational settings use ridiculous amounts of paper for mostly unnecessary reasons only to simply discard the print outs soon after.

For files that don't need to be printed, users can choose this format (.WWF) and then distribute the documents electronically. Users would then be able to view the document but not select "file-print". To use this file type a small bit of software needs to be downloaded from saveaswwwf. Additionally, a little note about saving paper is added to the bottom of all documents.

While I'm unsure this file format will actually be embraced, it seems like a step in the right direction to reduce paper wasting, and if anything will at least spread some awareness. The WWF format is essentially a plugin that is Mac-only for now, but coming to Windows soon.