Why Green Matters

“Printing Green” Protects the Environment

Like most production operations, printing houses produce harmful wastes. Printing houses produce what are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are caused by petroleum-based inks, laminates, varnishes, and adhesives. Air pollution from those compounds greatly increases the risk of asthma attacks, according to the EPA and environmental advocacy groups.

But this is only half of what “printing green” is all about, and most printers generally comply with existing regulations. But perhaps, at least equally, if not more important, is the issue of conservation.

 “Printing Green” Conserves Energy and Trees

Most people would be surprised to learn that the paper and printing industry ranks fourth among manufacturers in the amount of energy used. Producing paper and the electricity used for factory operations, as well as the actual printing process, demand lots of fossil fuels. Printers, thus, are major users of natural resources.

Certified Green Printers like Bacchus Press keep track of their total energy usage and implement strategies for offsetting the environmental impact of their businesses. The goal is to be a “sustainable printer.” What does this mean?

 “Printing Green” Conserves Energy and Trees

Most people would be surprised to learn that the paper and printing industry ranks fourth among manufacturers in the amount of energy used. Producing paper and the electricity used for factory operations, as well as the actual printing process, demand lots of fossil fuels. Printers, thus, are major users of natural resources.

Certified Green Printers like Bacchus Press keep track of their total energy usage and implement strategies for offsetting the environmental impact of their businesses. The goal is to be a “sustainable printer.” What does this mean?

Being a sustainable printer means carefully planning jobs to minimize electricity use. It also means ensuring that paper is sourced only from companies certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) because it tells us that the paper comes from well-managed forests that adhere to strict environmental standards. It means making sure that only sustainable products are sourced for the printing process. It means recycling and reusing paper and other supplies whenever possible.

Printing Green is Easier than You Think
It’s true that printed matter is still the most effective way to communicate with consumers, so even in the electronic age, companies and organizations will still be printing brochures, packaging, and other documents.

Graphic designers and print buyers can play an important role in protecting and conserving the environment by printing green. When you print green, you’ll know that you’re doing your part to protect and conserve the environment. You’ll be reducing waste and ensuring that you’re not contributing toxins to the environment or filling landfills. You’ll be conserving energy and making certain that the paper and products used by your printer come from sustainable sources and operations.

So insist on printing green. Send your jobs only to “certified green printers.”

The earth will thank you.