Category Archives: Sustainable Printing

Gadgets, Books, New, Recycled and Time To Visit My Local Library

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Lately with the iPhone, iTouch, Kindle and other assorted gadgets available, I’ve been thinking a lot about the gadgets that start piling up around and in drawers, and whether we’re being environmentally friendly.

Each time a new computer, gadget or phone comes out, we’re all eager to see them, buy them and use them, but what happens to the older models we already have. I have an older Apple desktop computer in the corner collecting dust and I’ve always thought, it’s my back up just in case these two explode someday, (which probably will never happen, because they’re also Apple…) but actually I would probably never turn it on because the software is now outdated. I also have an older scanner, and probably a few old cell phones in some drawer. Time to figure what to do with them… donate the Apple computer and scanner or look into a company that recycles parts.

Recently, I switched from Directv to Verizon FIOS and when I asked Directv what to do with the two old boxes and remotes, they had no real plan. They do not collect them or try to recycle them, which I thought was such a waste. They told me they belonged to me, I sure don’t understand this. They suggested I put them up on ebay. Are they kidding? Who’s going to buy this old equipment and for what, $5?

I do love the idea that by loading up my iPod Touch, I’m not buying paper books, plastic/paper containers of music or have to carry a laptop or portfolio, everything is stored within or I can connect via wifi. But to be honest, I really prefer reading a book with pages that I can hold with both hands, the same goes for a magazine.

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I’m always concerned about being eco-friendly and spend more time reading blogs and websites so I can purchase less newspaper and  magazines, but perhaps it’s time to revisit the local public library. I haven’t been there in a while and it would be a much better way to read some of the latest or current books without buying them and adding even more books to my overloaded shelves.

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Sustainability Lecture Organized by AIGA

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On Friday, March 12, I attended a lecture with another designer. Organized by the AIGA, “Design Thinking & Sustainability w/ Chris Hacker from Johnson & Johnson” took place at the Tishman Auditorium in NYC.

Aside from the problems with their powerpoint presentation, which got quite a few chuckles from the “designer” audience, it was a presentation about the possibilities we as designers can achieve if we make the effort. It’s important to lead our clients toward “green” packaging and printing even if they think it’s going to cost more, because it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes, depending on the item and the quantity, it may not cost more, so why not give it try.

Chris Hacker, who has been Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Design Officer for the past five years has overseen the application of sustainable design thinking and practices. In addition to building a 120-person think tank, where environmentally-conscious decisions are part of the process, he, along with the the rest of his team are implementing ideas with all sorts of products.

By simply changing the overall design so the product can be reused, eliminating part of the packaging which isn’t needed, or changing the printing techniques and inks, we can reduce the amount of paper or plastic being used and when you multiply that times the amount of products sold, that’s a lot of trees saved, and less waste.

We have the power as designers to reshape the way consumers see products, and can sometimes make a change that is environmentally sound and yet consumers don’t even notice. Most consumers are into being “green” and if they realize a product has changed to help the environment, like less packaging, or they can recycle it, they’re more likely to buy it and feel good about it.

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From the Johnson & Johnson website about “Protecting the Environment”

“We set high standards for our operating companies in the area of environmental responsibility — striving for performance that does not merely comply with regulations but reduces our environmental impacts. We have a responsibility to take care of our planet and preserve its beauty, resources and strength for future generations.”

You can be sure with every project I work on, I’m committed to producing or printing it the “greenest” way and will work hard to convince my clients to do the same.

Being One in a Quarter of a Million Graphic Designers

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I just read an article on GreenerDesign.com and they were writing about being second or third place in a contest and how that can still make you a winner. In the design profession it’s widely known that we enter contests, so we can be rewarded by our peers, because clients rarely compliment, most pick apart or send revisions. They rarely start a response by saying, “wow what a creative idea you’ve come up with”, it’s usually more like, “I’ve rewritten the copy”, or “I’ve decided I want to go in another direction.” To be fair to the clients, they do occasionally compliment.

Meanwhile, one fact that was starring me in the face while reading, and I was so proud of my profession… There are over a quarter of a million graphic designers in the U.S. alone! Now, having been in this profession since the early 80s, I sure have been designing a long time, so I’m wondering why this profession has grown so large? Knowing that the competition will be so tough for each and every graphic designer that graduates, why do they think they will succeed?

One reason must be because every designer has their own style and creativity and will always bring their own spin to a project. Could it also be that being a graphic designer has finally become a profession that deserves respect?

In reading further into the article one thing that also had an impact on me was learning the amount of books, brochures, direct mail pieces, invitations, business cards and more, that are being printed and the impact that has on our environment.

From the website, GreenerDesign:

“These designers have a significant — though often unrecognized — impact on ecological and human health. They have a hand in the creation of 65 billion pieces of unsolicited direct mail every year, not to mention magazines and books, product packaging, and other printed matter. When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the pulp and paper industry is the fourth largest emitter in North America.”

I’m going to continue with my own efforts in trying to make sure that each new piece designed will be printed in an eco-friendly way, if my clients will agree to it and hopefully they will. I may only be one in a quarter of a million designers  (in the U.S.), but even one can make a difference. Imagine if more designers around the world cared to make a difference.