Going Green
Sustainable Printing Tips for Not-for-Profits
You’re about to launch a new print campaign showcasing some of the incredible work your not-for-profit is doing – how exciting! But, like many of us, you might be wondering whether there’s room to make some sustainable changes to your business practices.
Luckily for you, I’ve compiled some straightforward sustainable printing tips for not-for-profits so you can still launch a fantastic campaign while being mindful of the environment.
Use eco-friendly/recycled paper
Paper accounts for around 25% of all landfill waste – and if your flyer is coated with a glossy polymer finish, it can’t be recycled at all.
When choosing your paper supplier, opt for one that uses recycled paper to reduce the environmental impact of your paper. Or, have a look into one of the many alternatives to normal paper – bamboo paper now exists, which is much more sustainable than standard paper, as bamboo grows quicker, needs less water and fertilisers, and is biodegradable.
Print things people want to hang onto
I’m sure you’re no stranger to receiving a flyer that you’ve immediately thrown in the bin afterwards. Most people would take a quick 5-second look at a flyer before deciding whether it’s worth holding onto.
So, when planning what should be included in your next print marketing campaign for your not-for-profit, think about how much value it’ll add to the recipient.
Is it packed with information and genuinely useful content, and is it unlikely people will throw it into the bin? Then it’s probably worth printing!
Work with a sustainable print-house
To make sure all of the sustainability boxes are ticked, work with a sustainable print-house, such as Sustainable Print or Ashley House.
Remember: make sure the business is legitimately sustainable and not falling under the greenwashing umbrella. A good print-house will have its sustainability commitments clearly outlined with full transparency. Some things to look out for are:
- Whether they use a plant-based/biodegradable ink or a standard plastic-based ink
- Whether they use recycled paper and/or paper sourced sustainably
- Whether they’ve got sustainability embedded into their business practices and culture, from the head office down to their suppliers
- Whether they’re partnered with, or certified by, any eco organisations
It’s almost impossible to cover all your bases, so don’t get too overwhelmed – if you start with the points above, you’ll be doing wonders for the planet.
Can you go digital?
Why not slash your environmental impact altogether and launch your not-for-profit campaign digitally. You get the freedom to design as much collateral as you’d like, without having to consider the cost or environmental footprint of printing.
Although internet usage is not exempt from carbon emissions, it still produces far less than if you were to deliver a printed campaign. There were 5,168,780,607 internet users in 2021 – make sure your business is in front of them!
Need some help with graphic design for your not-for-profit?
You can go one step further with your sustainability efforts by booking a no-obligation chat with me. I work with ethical, sustainable businesses and I’d love to help you out with your graphic design needs.
Book a call with me and let’s get your campaign out there in front of the right people.
