Recycled Paper | i-tees

New “Green Graphic Design” book

A new book has come out that I’m going to get, asap! (amazon link) Green Graphic Design by Brian Dougherty and Celery Design Collaborative.
“This book begins by asking designers to look at the end result of their work – what will happen to it after it’s been used? It then challenges designers to “design backwards”, a process similar in concept to backcasting. In this case, designers would begin by considering where the piece will end up, what the user experience will be, how it will be distributed (including delivery and warehousing) and what the production process will be (including printing and bindery).”

Green printing

It’s important to recycle. As designers for our clients, we need to help them make the right decisions about what needs to be printed, the purpose, and judge the right quantity for less waste. We can also think of creative ways to reuse a piece. A few of my theatrical clients ask the audience to leave the programs on their seats after a show if they don’t need them, that way they can reuse them.

I see a reduction this year in print promotional products, because client’s budgets have been cut. There is a beneficial side to this in that it’s saving trees and producing less waste. However, they still need to promote, so there is an increase in e-mail campaigns.

What are vegetable and soy inks?

I found this very helpful site, GreenPrinter.com, and they explain about the different types of ink:

“Soy and other vegetable-based inks are less harmful to the environment than their petroleum-based counterparts. Soy and vegetable products are used in ink for their oils, which act as the vehicle for the ink pigments. There are several types of vegetable-based printing inks, including linseed (Flax), tung (Chinawood), castor, canola, and safflower.

Soy is popular because it is a very stable material that exhibits excellent “wetting” properties which enhance its ability to carry solid pigments. Most manufacturers of soy and vegetable based inks today actually “blend” ingredients, in order to take advantage of the unique characteristics of each oil.

Some portion of raw materials are emitted into the atmosphere during both the manufacture and printing of ink. The heightened environmental consciousness of recent years has resulted in a campaign to reduce VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) in inks.”

Wanting to do my part (as President Obama has reminded us), I have always been attracted to organizations and green initiatives that will help our planet. When I design print marketing materials such as brochures, postcards, posters, and other signage, I make sure to select a printer who cares about the same “green” issues and will use recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks as much as possible. In talking with “green” printers (for my other blog with Mary Jo Rhodes) FROGS ARE GREEN, we want to make sure we are producing a fine product and one that won’t harm the planet.

Beautiful image of young leaves in a forest from istockphoto

I have researched various printers and organizations because I think it’s important to read about them, and see just what they are or aren’t doing. My goal is to use only USA printers and brands.

Here’s a bit about what some of them are doing:

Green Press Initiative

Mission: The mission of the Green Press Initiative is to work with book and newspaper industry stakeholders to conserve natural resources, preserve endangered forests, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize impacts on indigenous communities.

Green Press Initiative

Mission: “The mission of the Green Press Initiative is to work with book and newspaper industry stakeholders to conserve natural resources, preserve endangered forests, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize impacts on indigenous communities.”

Monroe Litho – Sustainable Commercial Printing

“For over 60 years, Monroe Litho has been on the cutting edge of printing technology—and today, we’re leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainability. From pre-press, printing, and binding to mailing and fulfillment, Monroe Litho has the people, the equipment, and the processes to bring your next project to life—maximizing your impact on customers, and minimizing your impact on the planet!”

Design It Greener

“Designitgreener is an all-inclusive resource for the graphic, packaging, industrial, interior and architectural design industries. At designitgreener.com, we’re helping designers stay informed and educated on the latest and greatest in all realms of green design by providing news, tips and advice, a glossary of common green terms and a green design gallery where designers will find inspiration to help begin and continue to make green choices a part of their everyday design practices.”