There is a great deal of information available online about environmental issues surrounding printing and paper. Below are just a few suggestions specific to the University. The Marketing and Creative Services department can provide assistance in making the right choices for the project. Choose print vendors that are FSC certified. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) maintains a “chain of custody” certification that verifies the paper mill, merchant and printer within the supply chain are ensuring the fibers come from sources that conduct their business in responsible ways. By adhering to these standards they are minimizing the use of companies not concerned with the destruction of habitat, displacement and violence against indigenous people and wildlife and degradation of air and water quality logging may have. Choose recycled paper with as much post-consumer recycled content as possible. Though recycled paper is not the only choice, it is a good start. Recycled papers come in a wide variety of colors, textures and finish and are often the same price or cheaper than other choices. Marketing and Creative Services specifies recycled paper as the standard even for coated, glossy paper choices. Standard FAU papers Use chlorine-free paper. Look for papers that are processed chlorine free (PCF) or totally chlorine free (TCF). Look for paper that is unbleached or not bleached with chlorine. Hydrogen peroxide is acceptable. Consider a lighter weight paper. For example, using 80# cover versus 100# cover will reduce paper consumption without sacrificing quality. Consider a slightly smaller size. Making a printed piece smaller in size/dimension can reduce waste with minimal impact on the effectiveness of the piece. For example, change an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet to 8-3/8" x 10-7/8". Opt for soy-based or water-based ink instead of petroleum-based ink whenever possible. Offer customers more electronic communication. Consider directing your audience to a website, sending CDs instead of catalogs and sending e-mails and pdfs that offer targeted information. Print on both sides of the paper. This is especially useful for handouts and copies.
Resources for More Information
Forest Stewardship Council
The Direct Marketing Association
Visit FAU’s Mission Green initiative
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