As consumers have become more environmentally conscious, communication regarding the printing and publishing industry’s efforts to find sustainable solutions is extremely important. While many are quick to assume that the printing industry is a villain in the environmental concerns of our planet, in truth our industry is a long standing, staunch supporter of environmental initiatives. In an effort to assist industry members communicate this message The Print Council released a new position paper titled “Why Print Is Green” at Print® 09. 


A leader in recycling, sustainability, and pollution control, the printing industry has been championing environmental responsibility for more than three decades. However, in the past the industry’s efforts have been quiet and garnered little in the way of positive media attention. The Print Council hopes the position paper will be used by printers and designers to communicate why print media is the environmentally responsible choice for reaching their intended audience.


Presenting 10 specific ways in which print is green, The Print Council’s report is an effort to educate consumers on the industry’s ongoing environmental efforts. The report documents some of the following facts on why print is green:


• In 2008, more than 57% of paper consumed in the United States was recovered for recycling (more than any other material).
• The paper industry is aiming to reach 60% recycling by 2012. Every additional percentage point equals one million tons of paper recovered.
• Less than 10% of U.S. power comes from renewable sources – in the pulp and paper industry that figure is greater than 60%.

• Printers are frequent buyers of renewable-energy certificates. These certificates, which represent power generated by wind, hydro, solar, or biomass, support the growth of renewable energy producers.
• The average person’s paper use for a year, 440 pounds, is produced by 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity – the same amount used to power one computer continuously for five months.

   

The Print Council is committed to serving the print industry to develop, maintain, and increase the market for printed materials. Want to read it for yourself? Request a printed copy of “Why Print Is Green” from jnvinyard@msn.com.