Marketing Article in COSE Update by AGC

Check out the latest edition of COSE Update and enjoy the marketing article titled "Sustainable Communication Checklist" written by AGC!

Environmental issues have taken center stage over the past few years, and there is a “green” shift in the communications industry to minimize or neutralize environmental impact. A sustainable strategy, implemented correctly, will communicate your company’s environmental commitment to your target demographic and create more value to stakeholders.

Working collectively with your marketing firm or design agency to determine the most efficient use of your resources before, during and after production will help reduce the size of your footprint on the natural world.

When preparing your next marketing communication project ask yourself how you can be more environmentally conscious. Today, ‘green’ printing alternatives maintain the same or greater level of quality in comparison to traditional (non-eco-friendly) materials. In addition, a recent study conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Communications found printed communications has less of a carbon footprint than electronic communications, trading a renewable resource (trees) for a non-renewable resource (fossil fuels used in energy production).

Print can actually be more environmentally friendly than electronic media, but there are opportunities to make it even more so. We’ve developed a list of Best Practices for Sustainability in Your Communication Projects.

• Choose 100% post consumer waste (PCW) or 100% virgin FSC or SFI fiber. Virgin fiber coming from certified, sustainable forests has a softer impact on the carbon footprint then most recycled sheets.

• Choose paper that is processed chlorine free (PCF).

• Choose non-toxic soy- and vegetable- based inks and varnishes.

• Choose products and materials that are manufactured with renewable energy.

• Choose local materials

• Choose local vendors that utilize renewable energy (to save on transportation waste).

• Choose certified vendors that have been verified to offer Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative Chain-of-Custody.

• Choose to label your printed communication with the FSC or SFI logo. Use of these logos creates a positive image for your company.

• Choose a graphic design firm that adheres to sustainable practices and maximizes resource use.

• Choose to keep an open discussion with your team about project impact related questions.

Eco-friendly design can be cost-efficient, environmentally sensitive and beautiful.