What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

08-07-2006 9:29 AM

wcook

Top 50 Contributor

Joined on 12-20-2005

Does your nonprofit print its brochures, mail campaigns, letterhead, and other marketing materials on recycled paper? Have you used vegetable-based inks? What about a carbon-neutral printer? If not, what is stopping you? (Lack of information? Lack of resources?)

As A Nonprofit's Guide to Green Printing illustrates, going green doesn't have to mean compromising on quality, or spending a fortune.

Let us know what your nonprofit is doing to make its printing practices earth friendly, and share your recommendations on green vendors (printers, designers, paper suppliers) you've worked with.

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

08-08-2006 2:09 PM

lmajor

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Joined on 04-18-2006

TechSoup Member

The library district I represent has five libraries that each hold 2 booksales a year. Inevitably an enormous number of books do not get sold and must be taken to the dump. Do you or any of the other readers know of a green way to dispose of unwanted books.

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

08-08-2006 2:28 PM

ccrystle

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Joined on 08-09-2005

TechSoup Member

Mission Research (GiftWorks) mostly prints on 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) paper with soy ink. We've found we can use our local printer and direct them to New Leaf Paper or other PCR providers. In fact, we just printed composition books for Craigslist Nonprofit Boot Camp on the 19th in Berkeley, which is a "zero waste" event. And the Craig'slist Foundation folks were very adamant about other vendors printing on some level of PCR.

I'm hosting a session on socially responsible business practices for nonprofits over lunch at Boot Camp with Green Mary (greenmary.com) and Mal Warwick (chair of Social Venture Network)--definitely come by to learn more if you're interested!

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

08-09-2006 10:49 AM

wcook

Top 50 Contributor

Joined on 12-20-2005

If you are unable to re-donate used library books to another organization (or sell them to a used book store), contact your local recycling service. Some cities accept paperbacks and hardbacks (with the bindings removed), while others require that you take hardcovers to a book recycler; your recycling service should be able to refer you to one in your area.

I also found a couple of sites on this topic using a Google search: one on recycling or donating unwanted books from Suburban Library System, and another on Resources for Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling, which includes recycling suggestions for all sorts of items, including books.

Your question definitely helps underscore the need for sustainable practices that take into account the full life cycle of printed materials. Make sure your patrons know that by checking books out from a library (especially those acquired second hand) rather than buying them new, they are not only supporting a civic institution but an environmental cause.

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

09-19-2006 1:17 PM

wcook

Top 50 Contributor

Joined on 12-20-2005

Here's another book-exchange resource I found online: BookMooch, a community for exchanging used books.

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

05-12-2008 10:58 AM

trinity1

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Joined on 01-19-2005

TechSoup Member

This is a excellent article and concept of helping our business community and non-profit organizations play an active role.

Thanks

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

08-07-2008 1:42 PM

danwcc

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Joined on 08-07-2008

TechSoup Member

As far as vendors, I have been impressed with PrintingConsolidated Printing. Marilyn, the founder, is just always looking for ways to make some facet of the commercial printing process more sustainable. Here's a video of Marilyn, and how she got started, and how she's even switching from the harsh cleaning solvents for industrial printers to vinegar, Crisco and Pam!

Consolidated is going to be a part of the Green Exchange in Chicago, which is a community of all sorts of green businesses set to open next year -- so Consolidated really seems to be determined to not only adopt sustainable practices, but really pioneer new ones.

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

09-02-2008 12:56 PM

MeganKeane

Top 10 Contributor

Joined on 08-20-2001

San Francisco, CA and the web

Hi Dan--

Welcome to TechSoup and thanks for the resource.

How specifically have you used this vendor? If you are affiliated with the vendor in any way, we ask that you have a disclaimer of this with your post, as per our Community Rules & Standards, so we can remain an informational and not commercial resource for nonprofits.

Best,

Megan

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

09-04-2008 5:58 AM

AAHHOM

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Joined on 06-05-2008

TechSoup Member

We have "gone green" in a number of ways, but are just now beginning to explore the idea of green printing. I wasn't able to access the above link on green printing, so would appreciate anyone's input on what they're doing or where to get information.

The only suggestion I've received so far is a recommendation from our equipment vendor to switch to Kyocera printers for our desktops.

I'd love more ideas!

LisaRose

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

09-04-2008 3:29 PM

MeganKeane

Top 10 Contributor

Joined on 08-20-2001

San Francisco, CA and the web

Hi LisaRose--

I've corrected the above link so folks can access the article--sorry about the trouble.

Best,

Megan

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RE: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

10-28-2008 2:00 PM

Anna

Top 200 Contributor

Joined on 09-19-2000

San Francisco

TechSoup Member

Hi LisaRose and others...

We are about to launch a month-long educational event to help you print "greener" whether that is using external print shops or changing your habits in your office. I encourage you to check out our paper page throughout the month to get ideas about how to reduce your paper use.

With regards to printing in your office, we strongly recommend energy star compliant all-in-one machines. There are many environmental benefits to using multi-function machines over individual machines for printing, faxing and scanning.

If you or others have ideas for or questions about greening your printing, please post them here or contact us so that we can get the word out.

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Re: What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?

07-23-2009 9:44 PM

aua-design

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Joined on 07-23-2009

TechSoup Member

I believe it is our responsibility to pursue sustainable printing. I don't think this is something we can think about and decide that it is not our thing. There is always something you can do to make your next project a little greener. For more info you can read this great article on the subject of "green printing" http://www.auadesign.com/work/5-questions-green-designers-should-ask-a-printer.html

Sincerely, Annya Uslontseva - Seattle Graphic Designer

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What would help your nonprofit pursue eco-friendly printing techniques?