40 tips to “Eco” your Marketing Package in 60 Seconds or Less
6 02 2008Image source: www.futureproofnola.com.
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.
At some point, one comes to the inevitable conclusion that in order to “green” your marketing material, one needs to take a little extra time to plan ahead and live a “slow food” version of marketing. Yes, I hear the snickers and yes, even marketing speed demons can learn a thing or two from the slow movement.
So, for all you energizer bunnies out there, here are a few tips from Montreal based Vivace Design‘ s Karine Himbeault that, incidentally, we found take 60 seconds or less to actually carry out.
Oh and Vivace Design produced a stunning portfolio following their advice. Gone gorgeous green in less than 60? Read on.
- Consider 100% PCW, uncoated paper
- Consider Elemental Chlorine Free or Totally Chlorine Free paper
- If using virgin paper stock, consider one that has FSC or SFI certification
- Buy paper from a source using sustainable energy in production
- For long shelf life, choose a paper that meets the American National Standards Institute standards for product longevity
- Plan ahead to avoid air and rush shipping.
- Use targeted, updated mailing lists
- Carefully target your audience to maximize print effectiveness along with other media options
- Use the fewest materials necessary to be effective
- Maximize long-term value with useful, multipurpose design
- If the printed piece isn’t reusable, ensure that it is recyclable
- Use digital photography
- Use PDF digital proofs in place of paper printouts
- Consider vegetable-based inks
- Use fewer ink colors
- Consider less ink coverage
- Avoid metallic and fluorescent inks when possible
- Consider using aqueous varnishes and coatings instead of UV coatings and laminates
- Consider alternatives to foil stamping
- Consider water-based glues
- Involve the print vendor in the planning stages
- Choose an FSC-certified printer
- If not FSC certified, check that the printer has an environmental management system in place
- Consider filmless and plateless digital printing for small runs
- Send art to printer electronically or on a rewritable CD (to be returned)
- Clearly outline specs to vendor
- At project close, recap with client and vendors to learn from successes or failures
- Use recycled logo and indicate PCW content
- Use “FSC” or “SFI” logos according to guidelines
- Indicate ISO certification where applicable
- Use PCF, ECF, or TCF designations where appropriate according to pulp-bleaching method
- Note vegetable ink use
- Encourage end user to either share or recycle the printed piece
- Use “energy saver” features on computer equipment
- Institute an office recycling program and promote the purchase of recycled office paper
- Print double-sided and/or in draft mode
- Use silverware and mugs instead of paper and plastic
- Donate old office equipment to schools
- Shake toner cartridges occasionally to lengthen life
- Use alternative modes of transportation
For more information on Vivace Design, visit http://www.vivacedesign.com.
See why Green Printer is a better green printer at http://www.greenprinteronline.com.
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This list of eco design considerations is from the second edition of A field Guide put out by monadnock… handy little guide