When it comes to conservation, most people know about recycling paper, plastics, glass and even batteries, cell phones and the oil from a car engine. Some are more green-conscious and use energy-saving light bulbs, hybrid cars, solar heating, captured rainwater or organic food. But not many think about the printer ink and toner cartridges from their home printer.

“Each year, it’s estimated that almost 350 million printer cartridges end up in landfills,” says Serhat Pala, president of PrintCountry.com. “Ninety percent of printer ink cartridges are thrown away, and that number is growing by ten percent a year. Most discarded cartridges still have ink in them that can seep into the ground, causing widespread soil damage. Obviously, this has an adverse effect on our environment.”

PrintCountry.com is announcing a partnership with HalfTheInk.com to help customers save both money and printer ink. It’s estimated that a typical household spends between $200 to $350 a year on printer ink and toner. Beginning today, selected PrintCountry website visitors will receive a free trail of PretonSaver™ Home printer ink saving software, which saves up to 70 percent on printer ink and toner usage.

“The software is not only very easy to use, it’s ‘green,’ which means it’s good for the environment,” says Pala. “Though it might mean our customers will buy less ink from us, we feel the long-term impact on the environment is important. I think our customers will appreciate that, too. They will certainly welcome the savings, which is why they shop with us in the first place. It’s our hope that other suppliers will recognize the need for greater environmental responsibility in our industry.”