Conservation has become a hot trend these days. Thanks to people like Vice-President Al Gore, actors Cameron Diaz and Leonardo di Caprio and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, the idea of conservation is no longer something espoused by beatniks in the 1960's but a part of everyday life. We are now finding new ways to do familiar tasks, often with the help of technology.

One of these new ways is through the use of Internet faxing. Traditional faxing methods involve the use of a machine to send a scanned copy of a document (called a facsimile or fax) over the telephone network to another machine in a different location, transmitted in the form of pulses that the receiving machine reproduces on paper. This means that users are tied to an electronic instrument composed of a scanner, a modem, and a printer to send messages, and this consumes paper, ink and toner. It is also a constant drain on electricity because the machine has to be on to be able to receive messages even when you are not around. But with Internet faxing, your messages can go directly to your email so you can read it at your leisure. With the rise of wireless application protocol (WAP) capable mobile phones, PDAs and laptops, you can send and receive fax messages anytime, anywhere. Multiple messages can be sent and received simultaneously without jamming the phone line, or your fax machine's printer. By saving on consumption of paper, ink and toner, you are helping the environment by keeping trees from being cut down and reducing trash. You also limit the use of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and other metals which make up parts of the fax machine and the ink cartridge.

Paper consumption is also reduced because it eliminates the need to make hard copies of sent messages. Instead, messages can be stored directly on the computer's hard drive, on CDs, or any other removable storage device. So whether you're keeping records for your business, or just storing private letters, your privacy is ensured through Internet faxing. You no longer need to fear that the entire household or office will read the steamy love letter your partner sent you, because you're the only one who'll pick up the message.

Another advantage to using Internet faxing is the reduced cost. The service itself does not need a dedicated phone line for fax messages, so you no longer need to pay the exorbitant phone bills generated by sending fax messages, just minimal amounts as set by your Internet fax messaging provider. And because the messages will be sent to your email, you don't have to keep your computer running 24/7. This means reduced costs for a small business or a regular household, because you save money on electricity and phone bills. Therefore, you are not only maximizing your own budget but also helping the energy crisis by making the most out of the power you consume.

In today's world you can be as connected (or disconnected) as you wish. Internet faxing is a new take on an old way of communicating. By signing on for this service, you are making an investment on the environment and the future.