Green Printer Blog

Image credit: Max Whittaker for The New York Times

Design Goes Green – The first of a series of articles by Green Printer on the cross-section between the environment, business and the creative communications industry.

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District experimented with a revised version of its electric bill statement, introducing a distinct feature that compares the owner’s use of energy to that of her/his neighbors. Efficiency is the goal; neighborly competition the motivation. The visually quantitative nudge persuaded some recipients: “When the Sacramento utility conducted its first assessment of the program after six months, it found that customers who received the personalized report reduced energy use by 2 percent more than those who got standard statements.” Read the rest of this entry »

A special guest by Michelle Galley of Mighty Pixel Productions.

I applaud each and every company and person that makes an effort to “Go Green“. I personally feel that if you contribute in any way, you are helping out! I also believe that there are a lot of companies who don’t realize the little things do help. I have compiled a list of ten ways that almost every company can contribute to, by making these small but significant changes.

1. BE A PART OF THE GREEN COMMUNITY
Support green communities online. It is a great way to market your company as well as getting involved. Join associations or charities. Some of my favourites…

♦ Design Can Change
♦ Green Energy Act
♦ Ontario Environmental Directory Read the rest of this entry »

Design Goes Green – The first of a series of articles by Green Printer on the cross-section between the environment, business and the creative communications industry.

1. Jill, you are an artist, designer and crafter. Tell us about what you do and what you create.

First and foremost I create detailed native nature drawings. With these, I create an eponymous line of paper goods and fabric accessories. I’ve been an “indie-craftpreneur” since 2001, selling my goods on my retail website and in boutiques worldwide. I also create murals, take on custom art commissions, and the occasional graphic design project for like-minded businesses. Read the rest of this entry »

Design Goes Green – The first of a series of articles by Green Printer on the cross-section between the environment, business and the creative communications industry.

By Laurie Varga of Anatomy Communications, a small, full spectrum design and marketing firm with a lot to say on green design and wisdom of ‘serene business‘.

A Deeper Shade of Green

Anyone can spec a project on recycled or FSC certified stock. Anyone can use Google to locate a printer who claims to be eco-friendly and uses vegetable-based inks. Anyone can stick a tiny disclaimer on their promotional materials stating “please recycle me“.

These simple actions, although not insignificant, are like tossing an aluminum can in the recycling bin instead of the garbage can. These simple actions require no creativity, no exploration and no deeper examination of an organization’s business and marketing practices. It’s not fair to discount these small gestures entirely but I’m quite sure the trees and the whales are not terribly impressed by our efforts. So, let’s call these actions light green. Read the rest of this entry »