As businesses become more aware of the environmental impact of print advertising, many become reluctant to include printed media in their advertising campaigns. But the value of having “hard copy” versions of text, graphics and design work are indisputable, so the common sense approach is to design print advertising campaigns that implement the three “R’s” — reduce, reuse and recycle. By insisting on eco-friendly print practices, companies not only save money but attract new customers by doing their part to conserve precious natural resources.

Recycled Paper Stock

The first consideration is the kind of paper selected for any envelopes, business cards, posters, flyers, invitations, tickets, stationary and material distributed at presentations. Thanks to the success of paper and cardboard recycling campaigns for the past 25 years, there is no shortage of “gently used” paper that is easy to recycle into new products for a fraction of the energy it takes to harvest a living tree and turn it into paper pulp. Not only is recycled paper cheaper, it also has more “character” to make your materials look “organic” and less phony and manufactured.

The familiar recycle logo with the three revolving arrows naturally becomes an integral part of any “green” advertising campaign. When you commit to exclusively using recycled paper products, your company can proudly display the recycle logo on all printed materials — as well as digital media — to show you team has adapted a progressive and ecologically-minded attitude, which can heavily influence the customer’s ultimate selection.

Consider integrating other clever recycled paper product for single-use items — like coasters and invitations — that integrate wildflower seeds into a paper stock that dissolves easily, thereby encouraging the end-user to continue the recycling process by planting it in their yard. Another trendy alternative are the new “tree-free” paper products that use bamboo, hemp or the organic waste from orchards and commercial coffee operations.

Soy-based Inks

Traditional ink production involves the use of heavy metals and releases VOC (volatile organic compounds) into the atmosphere. Innovative printers use soy-based inks that are durable, have rich colors and quick-drying properties that make it an excellent choice for digital reproduction technology. Soy-based inks are made from renewable resources and use ethyl lactate, which is considered to be the “greenest” solvent available today. Some companies have even devised projects recycling pencil stubs into eco-friendly inks. Another positive outcome to using soy-based inks is that your final product requires less heat to break down, so it is even more easily recycled.

Eco-Friendly Printer Shop Practices

Just because you select green materials you don’t necessarily have an eco-friendly final product unless care is taken selecting the print shop. Any printer who advertises as being “green” will be glad to show you proof of proper disposal of harmful solvents and chemicals. You can also look for signs of energy-saving techniques such as computer-controlled automation that reduces paper waste and strict in-house recycling practices. Of course, digital offset presses are the best because they can incorporate your eco-friendly products into high-quality promotional materials that resist scratching and fading.

Eco-Friendly Publicity Campaigns

To share your environmentally-conscious attitude with the world, integrate this message into all of your copy, graphics and digital media. Take the opportunity to create a “warm, fuzzy” public relations campaign to emphasize your commitment to sensible, sustainable practices so your audience associates your company with the green movement. Such strategies can be subtly used to increase the effectiveness of your overall company image and paint your profile with that ever popular green tint.

If you work in an office then chances are that you know what stuffy air feels like. Office space, coupled with the high population of workers and long hours, has the potential to begin to feel and smell quite stale. The technical reason for this is that as the workers breath, they breath in the fresh oxygen and breath out carbon dioxide. A room filled with carbon dioxide makes people feel claustrophobic and enhances anxiety. One solution to this issue is to introduce several office plants to the space.

Plants breath carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen therefore having a purifying effect on office air. In addition to plants having a scientific benefit to an office, they also have the ability to soften the look of a bright, unnatural fluorescently lit office. Hang some from the ceiling and encourage workers to put plants on their desks for decoration. Office plants also have the ability to improve productivity because of the oxygen enriched air they emit.

Another benefit of plants in the office is that they have the ability reduce the noise level. If you work in an office where there is lots of marble structures or concrete floors, plants will work to absorb and diffuse noise, making the office a more relaxing place to be. Besides noise reduction, plants also keep humidity at a perfect and comfortable level. People who spend large amounts of time in dry air environments have been known to be more susceptible to the cold and flu. If plants are controlling the humidity of the office air, fewer workers will fall ill which means greater productivity for the company.

Finally, studies have shown that plants absorb dangerous toxins, such as those emitted from computers or copiers. This may not have been something that people consider, but office equipment is quite dangerous when in small, unventilated rooms. Plants can work to curb the amount of toxins in the air that employees are breathing.

Indeed, not only do plants improve the appearance of an office, but they have many health benefits for employees that are there on a daily basis. Studies have shown many lasting benefits of making an office a greener place.