When you read your newspaper, or pick up the colorful sheets of advertising that come to your mailbox, what do you think of? If you consider the material aspect of this printed matter, you probably think about the paper; how heavy it is, and if it's recyclable. But there is a greater element to consider in your reading materials, and without it, there wouldn't be anything but blank pages. Ink has been the crucial element of the printed medium ever since its genesis, and has now become a volatile commodity.

When people first started using ink, it was a simple fluid made from natural elements. Squid ink and natural oils produced usable pigments that could create fine lines on paper. The inks that we use today are very different, super-engineered for durability and fine composition. Technical concerns have made ink a more complex element, and the market has responded.

No doubt you've heard the old complaint: how to get a refill for your household printer or the office copier machine. These splendid plastic gizmos that spit out your letters or memorandums can't function without ink and toner. Somebody has to be responsible for filling them. This used to mean simply going to the store and pulling a packaged ink unit from the rack. However, more and more people are talking about the prices of ink going up, or about how the market for ink is changing, specifically in terms of the market for household printer inks.

Now everyone is searching for the cheapest and most efficient purchase. Offices and individuals have to decide how to get ink at a reasonable price. This might mean buying in bulk or purchasing ink from an alternative distributor. The search for affordable ink requires research into what kinds of ink products deliver worthwhile volume and which are overpriced or deceptively advertised.

There is also the option of refilling cartridges that run dry. Some companies offer these services to alleviate the cost of purchasing new cartridges from mainstream vendors. It seems that the cost of refilling is lower because of the way that the cartridges are made. The cartridges can be programmed to stop working long before the ink reserves have been used up. This and other retailing tricks add to the confusion over how to get affordable ink.

There are also inks available that are 'low-tech' or more organic. These inks are considered more environmentally sustainable and can be good alternatives to commonly sold printer ink. Some inks are sold by printers, and may not be compatible with the needs of a household printer. Printing shops and other experts would be able to advise consumers on how to get alternative inks. With so many options to choose from, the buyer must shop around when looking for the next necessary refill.