Resources

  SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

What you can do to make your project more sustainable

There is a lot you can do before sending a project to us, so that the process of publishing will have less impact on the environment. We have compiled some tips and tools for you to think off when developing your project.

Remember…

  • The “conception stage” is where you can really make a difference
  • Sustainable design is a new challenge for creativity
  • Beauty is also thinking about your community and about the future generations
  • Reducing the graphic complexity of your job can often save resources while achieving perfectly your communications goals
  • Plan ahead to avoid waste

 

Check list…

  • What is the environmental impact of the production of your job? How could you reduce it?
  • Which is the best format to deliver a powerful message by using the least possible resources?
  • Can the final product be multifunctional?
  • Can a more eco-friendly format replace the order? For example: Can a postcard replace an envelope and a letter? Can an A2 poster work just as good as an A3 poster?
  • How could you reduce the number of pages?
  • Is the design appropriate for the final product?
  • Are there others ways to deliver the message effectively with less impact on the environment?
  • Raise awareness: inform your clients about all the efforts you have made to be sustainable. Explain the process and your choices. Remind your audience to reduce, reuse, and recycle!
  • Project your final job not only by considering how it will look once finalized but also by considering the process and its final use
  • Could you obtain a great result by employing fewer colors?
  • Would a computer proofing (PDF, rewritable CD, ZIP) be as effective as a hard copy one?
  • Is your mailing list updated? Purge any old names so that they are not included.
  • Send art to printer electronically or on a rewritable CD (to be returned)
  • Use digital photography when possible
  • If the printed piece isn’t reusable, ensure that it I recyclable

 

These are some ideas. We are here to assist you and you can review your project with us to ensure that it is produced in a sustainable manner.

Learn more…

United Nations Environment Programme

http://www.unep.org/


Gateway to the UN’s Systems’s Work on Climate Change

http://www.un.org/climatechange/


The UN Worldwide Campaign on Climate Change

http://www.sealthedeal2009.org/


AIGA Center for Sustainable Design

http://sustainability.aiga.org/


Printing Responsibly

http://printingresponsibly.org/


The Little Green Guide to Printing and Design

http://www.marcom.unimelb.edu.au/publishing/green


MIT Green Workshop

http://web.mit.edu/commworkshops/032608/green_resources.html


Institute for Sustainable Communication

www.sustaincom.org


Sustainable Packaging Coalition

www.sustainablepackaging.org


Mohawk Paper, Sense and Sustainability Brochure (PDF)

http://www.mohawkpaper.com/pdfs/SenseandSustainability.pdf


Monadnock Paper, Field Guide (Eco-friendly Printin)

http://www.mpm.com/uploads/uploads/Files/MPMEcoGuide3.pdf


Waterless Printing

http://www.waterless.org/


Printing Industries of America, Green Guide

http://www.printing.org/greenguide