51 Green Printing Tips

Tip #14 - Can Directories Be Green?

Today we are talking about an interesting question that concerns something many of us automatically considered as junk mail, but at the same time is an important commercial tool.

Can your directories be considered green? That's a tough question especially when so many directories, such as phonebooks, are considered junk mail (did you know every year in the US, households receive 540 million unsolicited phonebooks creating an additional 650,000 tons of trash?).

But the answer is Yes. It can be and we'll provide you some ground rules to follow to keep your directory green, with a specific example from Avi Publishing, publishers of "Our Green Book", a directory of local green businesses and green organizations.

Rule no. 1: provide your directories only to people who want them
One of the main problems with directories is that they're unsolicited advertising brought to your door, with no easy way to decline. You want to make it green - give it only to people who are actually interested in getting them.

"Our Green Book" is an example how you can do it - this directory is handed out at Whole Foods and Green Apple Cleaners to people who want them. That's it.

Rule no. 2: Use recycled and FSC-certified paper
Many directories are printed on non recycled stocks, which enhance their environmental impact. You should make sure you choose eco-friendly paper that will minimize your footprint. Avi Publishing for example, chose a recycled coated grade that is FSC certified, and contains PCW content. Also, the inks used for the directory's printing are vegetable based, and there are no chemicals used in setting up the press for printing.

Rule no. 3: Print close to distribution points
"Our Green Book" is printed at the Quad plants closest to the distribution points, so their Carbon Footprint is minimized. The Chicago and NY editions are printed in NY, and the San Francisco and Los Angeles editions are printed in Reno, Neveda.

Rule no. 4: Optimize the directory's size
You should optimize the directory's size to prevent unnecessary waste. The size of "Our Green Book" was chosen to yield little paper waste. It is a digest size.

Rule no. 5: Provide an online option
There are people and businesses who might be interested in your directory, but still prefer an online version of printed one, and you should be able to provide them with this option. Here's one example from Avi Publishing and another one from the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN), which are making their members directory (which includes Eco-Libris who are a member) available online.

So the answer to the question is Yes. Just follow these rules.

If you have any questions about "Our Green Book" , please contact Greg at greg@ecofriendlyprinter.com