Green Printer Blog

Image 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.

1. Consider 100% PCW, uncoated paper
2. Consider Elemental Chlorine Free or Totally Chlorine Free paper
3. If using virgin paper stock, consider one that has FSC or SFI certification
4. Buy paper from a source using sustainable energy in production
5. For long shelf life, choose a paper that meets the American National Standards Institute standards for product longevity
6. Plan ahead to avoid air and rush shipping.
7. Use targeted, updated mailing lists
8. Carefully target your audience to maximize print effectiveness along with other media options
9. Use the fewest materials necessary to be effective
10. Maximize long-term value with useful, multipurpose design
11. If the printed piece isn’t reusable, ensure that it is recyclable
12. Use digital photography
13. Use PDF digital proofs in place of paper printouts
14. Consider vegetable-based inks
15. Use fewer ink colors
16. Consider less ink coverage
17. Avoid metallic and fluorescent inks when possible
18. Consider using aqueous varnishes and coatings instead of UV coatings and laminates
19. Consider alternatives to foil stamping
20. Consider water-based glues
21. Involve the print vendor in the planning stages
22. Choose an FSC-certified printer
23. If not FSC certified, check that the printer has an environmental management system in place
24. Consider filmless and plateless digital printing for small runs
25. Send art to printer electronically or on a rewritable CD (to be returned)
26. Clearly outline specs to vendor
27. At project close, recap with client and vendors to learn from successes or failures
28. Use recycled logo and indicate PCW content
29. Use “FSC” or “SFI” logos according to guidelines
30. Indicate ISO certification where applicable
31. Use PCF, ECF, or TCF designations where appropriate according to pulp-bleaching method
32. Note vegetable ink use
33. Encourage end user to either share or recycle the printed piece
34. Use “energy saver” features on computer equipment
35. Institute an office recycling program and promote the purchase of recycled office paper
36. Print double-sided and/or in draft mode
37. Use silverware and mugs instead of paper and plastic
38. Donate old office equipment to schools
39. Shake toner cartridges occasionally to lengthen life
40. 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.