Save Money, Save Time, Save the Environment

Sustainability in graphic design is not just about using soy ink and recycled paper but considering how you can cut back on how much you use, how often you use it and ask why it's being used in the first place. The following are a few questions you may want to ask yourself or your designer before the start of a project.

1. Can we print less? Instead of a full size poster, can you use a postcard? Instead of mass producing 10,000 postcards, print 500 well-designed ones and send them to the people you know have a high interest in your product. Gather customers' contact information through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter and send out invitations, coupons, and newsletters online.

2. What are the materials? What are you printing on and what kind of ink is being used? Recycled paper comes in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and coatings for you to choose from. Soy and other vegetable-based inks are becoming a standard in the printing industry. There are certifications such as FSC that can be printed at the bottom of your piece to inform the viewer about your sustainable practices if you use their certified products and printers.

3. Can it be reused? When a customer keeps, and reuses your gift, it continues to advertise your business even after your promotion has ended and prevents it from going straight into the trash. Think about why someone would want to keep it and the multiple ways it could be reused.

4. Can it be recycled? Lamination takes a long time to decompose and certain inks are bad for recycling as well as glossy coatings. Don't be afraid to ask your printer questions and get samples. Be sure to use the recycle logo when possible.

Visit our blog to learn more about incorporating sustainability into your business's marketing and graphic design.

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