Why does green design matter?
Let’s be real. Climate change is happening. And our actions have an impact. I know. I know this is not breaking news. I know you’ve heard this before. And maybe it’s crazy, but I’m feeling optimistic. I think by approaching design sustainably we can make a difference. It’s not just necessary to be conscious of this for the sake of the environment, It’s also good business.
The impact of a business on the environment is a key concern for modern-day consumers. The Nielsen Global Survey on Corporate Social Responsibility found that 55% of respondents would pay extra for goods from companies that are committed to environmental responsibility, and that 52% would check the packaging to measure its impact. Considering that your packaging is the public face of your brand that a customer will experience first, it’s important to make sure you’re sending the right message about what your values are.
By approaching your organisations design needs through a sustainable lens you can help to create positive change in the world, and align your company with your customers values. Even small choices can have a big impact.
Sustainability has always been a passion of mine. Even in childhood I remember owning a book called 101 ways to save the planet, and trying to convince my 5th grade class to raise money to save an acre of rainforest.
That passion never died and I bring that into my design practice helping to guide my clients in their choices and offering discounted rates for climate driven not-for-profit organizations. I recently became a certified green designer, solidifying my commitment to helping my clients make values aligned choices when it comes to design.
Little changes can make a big impact. Here are just a few ways to consider injecting eco-conscious thinking into your organisations approach to design.
Paper and materials choice
Choosing more sustainable print and material options is one of the most common ways to make a difference. Even using as little as 30% recycled content in your paper can make a difference over time.
Overall, when looking at materials it’s a good idea to consider the entire lifecycle of the materials. Where does it come from? (Materials & Supply Chain), How it it used? (Method & Printing & Energy Use), Where does it go? (Life cycle)
Some things to consider
SUSTAINABLE PAPER CHOICES
The main certification you’ll come across is FSC. FSC forest management certification confirms that the forest is being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability. FSC-certified forests are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards. Paper can also made from be anywhere from 10% to 100% post consumer waste. Choosing a paper with recycled content can help reduce impact.
TRY AN ALTERNATIVE TO WOOD PULP PAPER
Consider using a non wood paper. Hemp paper can be recycled up to seven times, whereas tree paper can only be recycled up to three times if that.
OFFESTTING
Some printers have carbon offset programs for a zero emissions print job.
Packaging for Candle Essentials designed with plantable seed paper.
Using FSC certified paper and Zero offsetting printed at Hemlock Printers for a sustainable print project for UBC
Finishes + Inks
Consider your finished and inks. For example, is it recyclable? Are there toxins in the varnish or glosses. One thing to consider is ECO FRIENDLY INKS. Soy based are an alternative to petroleum based inks and actually make colour pop more.
Digital Projects and sustainability
Generally, the option to do a smaller print run and supplement with a digital piece, or to replace the print piece all together, is the more sustainable option. There are still some ways to consider making digital more sustainable.
ENERGY SOURCES
Where is the digital piece hosted? It’s possible to get hosting that us green. I.e. using wind energy.
CLEAN DESIGN
There are ways to design a site to use less energy through lowering load weigh via image sizes for example and other techniques. This is something I wont dive into deeply here as it’s usually a more low level impact.
SERVER LOCATION MATTERS
A server closer to your client uses less energy than one across the world.
Amplify design
As a designer I try to help to amplify the design and voices of clients whos values align. I’ll often offer flexible pricing and take on many projects in the climate and not-for-profit sectors.
Good design has an impact and can get people to pay attention. I can help you amplify your brand and align with your sustainability goals.
Reusable water bottle design for UBC Biodiversity Days