There are a number of things designers can do to ease our impact on the environment.
some of the steps I take as a designer are:
- Ask printers to print with vegetable-based inks
- Choose recycled papers
- Choose papers made with renewable energy
- Choose FSC certified papers
- Avoid ink colors that contain carcinogens
- Avoid finishing processes in printed projects, such as foil stampings and varnishes, that make recycling more difficult or impossible
- Maximize use of space while using a minimum of material
and as a business owner:
- Recycle office paper and packaging
- Recycle toner & ink cartridges
- Email proofs to save on paper and mileage
- Work from a home office
- Use fluorescent bulbs (and sunlight when possible!)
- Carry my own bags when buying supplies