Create with Care: How to Design more Sustainably
Every year on April 22, Instagram and the internet is flooded with a plethora of designs from artists and designers around the world to celebrate to demonstrate support for environmental protection. But while it’s true that Earth Day is only an annual event, to truly hold eco-responsibility as a graphic designer, it’s important to instill good practices as a designer year around beyond the singular day. Here are a few quick tips and easy practices you can creatively incorporate into your print design process to be kind to the earth throughout the rest of this year.
Focus on designing effectively. Create smaller brochures, posters, mailers and other print pieces to reduce the volume of paper (or better yet - go digitally and paperless!). Not only does over production of paper lead to deforestation, which compounds climate change, but it also adds a significant amount of pollution to our atmosphere while paper mills release harmful gases into the air.
White Space > Ink. Focus on creating more white space within your layouts and designs so less ink is printed on the paper. When old ink cartridges are thrown away, the heavy metals in the ink can lead to water and soil pollution, while plastic will take years to degrade. By utilizing white space in your designs, you can reduce the amount of ink that is used per design, and prevent some pollution.
Consider your font choices. While big, bold fonts might be trending right now, these font families use much more ink in your designs. Consider slimmer, less heavy-weight fonts when possible to deliver your message to your audience more sustainably.
Utilize recycled paper. Avoid high brightness papers that use a high concentrate of chlorine and chemicals, and instead, explore a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified print vendor.
Reduce the use of paper. In the early stages of the design process, show your clients proofs as pdfs, not printed on paper. When possible, design digital rather than print materials. Use both sides of any paper printed in your office.
Stay informed. Check out these websites to stay in the know and continue to improve your design workflow to increase sustainability.