Office of University Publications

Going Green

University Publications is going green. As we convert projects into environmentally friendly publications, we are doing our part to preserve our natural resources. Below you will find some steps you can take when thinking about producing a print piece. Also, check out our glossary of green terms and marks.

Can you be more environmentally friendly with your printed publications?

Ask yourself if your project can be created in a different way…

Can your project be sent to your audience as a PDF, e-newsletter, e-postcard?
Can you utilize web-based marketing instead?

If you decide a printed piece is your best option, consider these guidelines for going green with your next printed publication, whether it’s a newsletter, direct mail postcard, poster, or brochure.

For Design and Production:

Make the best use of paper.

Reduce mailing lists
Select a standard or smaller size sheet for brochures and flyers
Be concise in your message
Avoid full-page ink bleeds and instead, design your project with white borders, which require no trimming and less paper waste

Use ink wisely.

Use fewer inks, or utilize spot colors for innovative designs and less ink coverage
Avoid metallic and fluorescent inks when possible
Make use of digital proofs to eliminate excessive paper waste
Opt for vegetable-based inks, which are more environmentally friendly and are an alternative to petroleum-based inks
Choose environmentally friendly design elements, such as embossing and die-cutting, instead of varnish and spot colors

Choose the best paper.

Opt for 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) paper
Use uncoated paper for easy recycling
Consider FSC- or SFI-certified paper stocks, which are managed natural resources
Group multiple print jobs together to take advantage of bulk paper and ink costs, to reduce paper use, and to lower the number of make-readies and printing plates

Bindery

Incorporate fewer folds into your projects to reduce waste
Avoid laminated paper, which is difficult and expensive to recycle