There is no such thing as a bad time to go green. Our environment should always be taken into consideration both in our personal and professional lives. Where there’s an opportunity to do something differently and thereby help prevent damage to Mother Nature, we should look into it and probably do it.
One thing that is easily overlooked, especially in business, is what materials we use for printing. While the printing of brochures and pamphlets and other miscellaneous reports might help inform both your colleagues and the public alike, the paper and ink you’re using might be hurting the environment. In fact, the production and use of paper is one of the largest contributors to air pollution and the consumption of fossil fuels. So looking into more eco-friendly printing isn’t all that bad of an idea.
Post-consumer waste paper (PCW) is an environmentally healthy and morally aware way to purchase and use paper without nearly as many wasteful setbacks. PCW paper uses only recycled product in production. This prevents the unnecessary destruction of virgin tree fiber and helps preserve forestland and biodiversity. In the United States, currently 90% of our paper comes from virgin tree fiber, meaning that 90% of our paper is destroyed forest. Using PCW paper can help cut that number down. Much of the paper we use is bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives. These chemicals can cause toxins and pollutants under certain circumstances. So also look to try and use paper that is Process Chlorine Free (PCF).
But of course, paper is not the only instrument implemented in printing. There is also the ink. Petroleum-based ink contains VOCs, harmful toxins that can cause cancer and birth defects. VOCs are emitted when the ink dries on printed paper and can even leach into soil when printed paper is disposed of in a landfill. A better alternative is soy ink. It has a significantly less amount of VOCs and is already a regularly used product by magazines and companies alike.
Using eco-friendly printing is not only good for the environment – It’s good for business as well. Customers are more likely to take interest in your business when they know about your efforts put forth in helping the environment. You’ll attract attention from like-minded businesses. By using eco-friendly printing, you help contribute to a change for the better. Your actions will influence fellow businesses and customers alike to make greener improvements to their living.
Eco-friendly printing is the wave of the future. Having your company become one of the first to make use of it will benefit both your business and the environment. Go green!
Thanks for the great, informative article. I work for a green printed products company, Pixxlz.com and we take great pride in offering all of our customers between 30-100% post consumer waste paper. Our goal is to eventually only sell 100% PCW. It’s very expensive now, but of course, the more the public is educated (from this blog and the like) the more they will demand 100% PCW and our suppliers will lower their prices.
Thanks again for the great blog.
jennie
I agree totally with you.
People should do everything possible to promote Green and Sustainable activities and nothing better for that job than to use appropriate promotional materials.