What we've learned about being "green".

Volume 1: Why print metallic ink when you don't have to.

When we first started planning our business cards we were going to print metallic ink on a coated stock, not very environmentally friendly. It is extremely difficult to separate and remove metallic ink from paper. Being studious and always learning, we found a new paper that would allow us to accomplish the same look with little environmental impact. The answer was Starwhite Flash, a new FSC-certified metallic sheet from Neenah paper. Because ink isn't completely opaque, it allowed us to print one side of our cards and get that amazing metallic look without metallic ink. That same logic applied to our presentation folders. They were the same problem and we've remedied them since then. For anyone looking for a paper either with a cool metallic look, or a suede-like finish, take a look at Starwhite. We think you'll love it, and it is 100% FSC certified. If you haven't seen one already please ask your ION account manager to give you one. They'll be excited to hand them out.

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Volume 2: Think "big picture" when planning the design of your print job.

When we first did our ION note pads, we had printed them with a flood solid on the back. Again, not very environmentally friendly. It took, unfortunately, one of our customers to point out the error of our ways. It's a notepad! Why not make more note space on the back? You double the writing area and cut the amount of paper you would have wasted.

On a similar topic, if you want to maximize the efficiency of your press-sheet and you have some flexibility in the finished-size of your print piece, try this project sizer out. It will help you optimize your project size and reduce paper waste.

Please note: When specifying or playing around with "grip" or "gripper edge", please allow for at least a 1/2 inch.

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Volume 3: Buy new hardware, recycle the old ones.

What do you do with your old computing hardware? Do you donate them to schools? If not, did you know you could recycle them? Well you can. Just drop them off at our City of Edmonton Eco Stations. There is no charge! Doing so will dispose of old equipment the right way. Not only are we saving them from the landfill, but we're also limiting the release of harmful chemicals into our natural resources, in other words, our air and water. If you're wondering what can be recycled, thrown out, or taken to an Eco Station, click here.

Eco Station Locations:
South: 5150-99 Street - Enter on 99 Street only
North: 11440-143 Street

Hours:
Summer - March 30, 2009 to November 7, 2009
9am to 6:30pm, Monday - Saturday
Closed Sunday and statutory holidays

Winter - November 9, 2008 to March 28, 2009
9am to 4:30pm, Tuesday - Saturday
Closed Sunday, Monday and statutory holidays

For more information:
Telephone: 311
Email wasteman@edmonton.ca