http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/Greg-Barber-Green-Tips.htmlen-usFri Jul 30 14:24:40 EDT 2010Fri Jul 30 14:24:40 EDT 2010CommuniSite RSS Generatorhttp://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/Greg-Barber-Green-Tips.html0http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=245I would suggest using a less expensive paper in 100% post-consumer waste, recycled paper.Many of my clients use 90 brightness paper, instead of 96 brightness, which saves them 50% on the paper. That might save 20% overall in your printing.This paper can be used for printing brochures, flyers, newsletters, books, stationery, pocket folders, etc.One example is the book Food For Thought: Hazon’s Sourcebook on Jews, Food & Contemporary Life which was printed on this paper. Here's some food for thought - this 130-page sourcebook not only looks terrific (you can see it even just by looking at the cover), but was also printed within its original budget and of course is friendly to environment, all by using the less expensive paper 100% post-consumer waste, recycled paper. Needless to say that no compromise on the quality was made!Greg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=256Everyone is occupied these days with back to school issues and so are we! Our tip today talks about ways to green it up whether you're a student, parent, teacher or a school staff member. Normal0MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} We have couple of ideas today for parents, students, teachers and the school's staff.Students - When you need to do a short thesis or major report, we can help you. we have an On Demand printing department, which can be useful for printing from one small book report, up to as many as you need. We stock 100% post-consumer waste paper, and we print with 100% non toxic toner.We can wire-o, saddle stitch or perfect bind your report. All you need to do is supply us with a PDF in hi res. If you need help with your files, we have a pre-press department. We lay out books or thesis reports, from supplied word documents. We can even design a cover for you.Greg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=257Today 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 themOne 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 paperMany 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 sizeYou 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 optionThere 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.comGreg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=258Today we are talking about a question that keeps popping up as we see more and more printing jobs transfer into digital format. Greg is discussing this trend and offering a way to combine both formats together in a way that is effective from a marketing point of view and of course is environmentally friendly.I see an enormous change in the way the printing business is going, with more and more print documents being offered online, as a PDF. I start to think of my fellow printers and how this will affect them.One of the plants I partner with has lost millions of dollars in annual report printing. Just a small portion are printed and the balance are emailed to the stockholders.PDF files are by nature more environmental as they're saving paper, ink, etc. But the question is: Are PDF files the best fit for every document?There are some cases where I like the hard copy, and where I see an advantage for using both mediums. Take, for example my last tip on producing Green Directories.Avi Publishing prints 100,000 digest size Directories for NYC and 100,000 for 3 other cities, called "OUR GREEN BOOK". I think the size of "Our Green Book" is perfect for a woman's purse or even a man's back pocket. If the directory was larger, I think people would not take it with them. AND, they have an electronic version that you can read online at their website, and print off your computer.Will this eliminate the printed copy? No. Both styles will be utilized. The PDF will create the interest in the book, and will inspire the reader to pick it up at Whole Foods or Green Apple Cleaners. So, I see a definite plus for both print and electronic media.Annual reports might be a better fit for online distribution . Many people don't read their annual reports sent in the mail. Maybe, they will spot and read them when they receive their PDF via email.I think that ad agencies will probably use both mediums. My firm is now offering email blasts, and variable 1 to 1 marketing to keep up with the times, and, really, to survive.If our clients want to email their message, then we want to do their prepress. We also want to do the marketing to follow that includes the printing of postcards, brochures, and other print projects, that become part of the overall package.1 to 1 marketing gathers data on prospective clients, and emailed sales programs reach out to these prospective new clients, but when these people respond to a website we have set up, we immediately print postcards and flyers and brochures, with their name printed everywhere, and pictures of cars, jewelry, sports equipment, etc that we know they are interested in, from the up front email blast, and that does increase our print production.By the way, we send these items out environmentally. And of course I encourage 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper and environmental inks, and Green E energy, and FSC produced.So, change with the times or you will be swallowed up. Use both mediums.If you have any questions, please contact Greg Barber at greg@ecofriendlyprinter.com.Greg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=259Today Greg is discussing a question that is especially relevant for those of us who have printing job to do in the last minute, but still want to do it in an environmentally sound manner.Let's say you you have an urgent printing job to do and you need it ready in 24 or 48 hours. Can you still print it sustainably?In one word: Yes! A green printer should not be any different from a regular printer and should be capable of providing you all the necessary green services even in the last minute.Just this week, we did several rush jobs for Tony Blair and the Climate Group, for climate week in New York. We printed a 32 page brochure and a double gate fold brochure, postcards and posters. The jobs were done on time and the quality was superb, as per their group. We used 100% Post-Consumer Waste 65# for the 32 page, self cover Programs, and for the double gate brochures , we used 100% post-consumer waste in 100# text, for the double gate fold brochures. The postcards were printed on 100# cover, in 100% post-consumer waste. All three projects are 100% Processed Chlorine Free.Here are couple of our capabilities which are available even in the last minute:1. You can use Recycled or Tree Free Paper in StockWe stock 100% post-consumer waste, recycled paper. We also can get many Tree Free papers in a rush.2. Ability to Accept Large Files to expedite the processOur system allows you to email us up to 100 Meg files. You just click our upload buttons and your files are attached.3. Correct PressesDigital presses move the fastest. We have both Igen and Indigo equipment.In such last minute situations, it's not only us who need to work quickly and efficiently. You should be ready to do the same. Here are some tips that will help us to make it in time:Greg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=260Today Greg is discussing a question that is raised now more than ever when it comes to green printing: How Do You Save Money On Your Next Print Job?Saving money is the first priority of many businesses and organizations who need print jobs, and we get many questions on how you can go green and still save money. As we wrote here before there's no contradiction between the two, and I would like to suggest couple of ideas on how it can be done.1. Ask for alternative papers that are comparable to what you are looking for. I have a few ideas on saving you money.- Use Sugar Cane Tree Free paper instead of Seed paperSeed paper is one of the most expensive papers on the market today. My clients cringe when I tell them each 13 x 19 sheet is $4.00. If you can get away from having the seeds grow into flowers when disposing the paper, I like sugar Cane as a substitute. It is Tree Free, and looks recycled. It is 1/10th the price.- Use 80# uncoated text in 100% PCW, when switching from 100# gloss recycled text for your next run The uncoated text paper bulks higher than coated paper. The 80# text would feel as thick as the 100# coated text, and save you 25% in the amount of pounds of paper needed.This would also save money on postage for any mailing jobs.- Use a 90 bright white grade, instead of 96 bright white for your newslettersThat would save you $700, if you needed 500 pounds of paper. Our 90 bright 100% PCW paper is half the price of our 96 brightness papers in 100% PCW. If you needed 5000 pounds of paper, that is a huge $7000 savings.2. Let your printer or your agency suggest alternative page sizes Before you design the project. Sometimes ½" can make a big difference in your print bill. I just asked a client to go from 10" x 4" to 9.5" x 4", on their flat size, and we saved our client a ton of money,. We ran a 13 x 19 sheet, and I could get 6 out of the 13 x 19 size sheet, instead of 4 out.Another example is our own landfill brochure. We had a page size of 6.5 x 6.5 inch for our 28 page plus cover brochures. We could only get two up on our 13 x 19 size digital paper. By making the page size 6 x 6, we could run 3 up, and since we had 8 forms, that saved us over 30% on our print costs.Do you have more questions about going green and saving money on your next print job?you can email to greg@ecofriendlyprinter.com.Greg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=261Rock paper? Yes! I'm not sure how many have heard of this paper but rock paper is made from approximately 85% Limestone and Calcium Carbonate. I call it recycled rock paper, since it is made from torn down buildings.Here are some of the things you should know and take into consideration about rock paper:The environmental aspectsThere is no water used in making this line of paper. With a world wide water shortage, this is becoming as big an environmental plus, as landfill waste.There is a huge savings in energy to make rock paper.What are the most common uses of rock paper?Rock paper is available in 4PT and 5 PT for labels, soap wraps, and brochures, and heavier weights, like 16 PT, for boxes, pocket folders, business cards, etc. It looks like dull coated paper, and prints like coated paper. The ink colors are vibrant, and pop out.Why should I use it anyway and not recycled paper?Rock paper is terrific for labels that need to last a long time, and brochures that need additional strength. The rock paper is tear resistant, as well as being waterproof. Also,this paper has a distinct feel. When I give out business cards on rock paper, everyone comments on how cool this line feels. It has a satin type feel.Is it more expensive to use rock paper in comparison with recycled paper?Greg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=262Lately I have had graphic designers come to me "before" they design their next projects. I like that. If you want to print an environmental brochure, or you have any other printing job you want to do in an environmentally sound manner, you need to plan it correctly.Here are the questions you and your designer need to go over:1. The size of the brochureYou want to eliminate paper waste. Most paper comes in increments of 8.5 x 11 or 9 x 12. Designing a brochure to be 7 x 10 may look good, but you will be wasting 1.5 x 1 inches of paper for each 8.5 x 11 sheet needed for your brochure. Figure in bleed. Printers need 1/8" bleed on all 4 sides. If the bleed size is now 8.75 x 11.25, you are still OK. If the bleed size is 9.25 x 12.25, you have exceeded the multiples of 9 x 12.In the first example, a printer can take paper from a standard mill size 25 x 38 inches. In the second example, there will be a lot of waste paper. There is no slightly larger size paper than 25 x 38.2. Inks to useMetallic and florescent inks are not environmental. Try to design your brochure using standard pantone colors, and not metallics. The designer should request soy or vegetable based inks. If the job is digital, the designer should request 100% non toxic toner.3. Type of paper (brand)Hopefully, your designer is up to date on the environmental papers. Ask your designer if they know the definition of recycled paper, the definition of chlorine free paper, and what is post-consumer waste, etc. If the designer is not up on these terms, please have that person call me.The biggest problem I see in environmental printing is lack of knowledge in paper. Some people think an FSC certified paper is terrific. It might not be. FSC primarily is protecting the forests, which is good. But, you also want to protect the streams and waterways leading away from the paper mills. FSC paper that is also 100% Processed Chlorine Free, will avoid having Dioxins being dumped in those precious waterways. Dioxin is an extremely toxic chemical that can cause cancer to fish, wildlife and eventually us.FSC paper that is also 100% post-consumer waste recycled (100% PCW), will eliminate the printed waste from going to our over crowded landfills and incinerator plants.4. Foils and EngravingThese items can make your job look great, but are harmful to the environment. If you need to use a foil, try to keep the size(s) to a minimum. Somtimes, a blind emboss, instead of a foil emboss, is just as effective, and does not present an environmental issue.If you have any further questions about today's tip, please email me at greg@ecofriendlyprinter.comGreg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=263OK, so you did everything you needed to green up your printing job, whether it's a new brochure, reports, or promotional materials for your customers. But what about packaging?Sometimes we tend to forget this part, but not only does packaging has its own footprint, its also a visible part that represents your business. The box is no less than what's inside of it, and therefore it's important to green it up as much as you can, making sure all the components you send talk the same language: the sustainable one.So here are couple of things you can do when it comes to packaging:1. Use 100% post-consumer waste paper, and less coated stock.2. Eliminate plastic in the construction of your boxes.Packaging and box making use enormous amounts of plastic. We have a way to eliminate (90%) of the plastic.USE E-FLUTE for platforms, instead of vacuum form or injection molding. Our platforms are 100% recycled, are recyclable, and besides saving our environment from all the unwanted plastic in the items you buy everyday, we can save the buyer a ton of money.You will save money and be environmental: The dies are 1/10th the price of what vacuum form/injection molding dies cost. This would be a revoluntionary, environmental change in ourpackaging.I am having a kraft box made to send my sample kits in and will be able to show my clients the platforms made from recycled material, instead of plastic.3. Design your box to have minimal waste of paper.4. Print with soy based inks.5. Use a plant that is environmental to start with. FSC, Wind E, etc.Need a recommendation about a manufacturer of "green" packaging supplies? check out ARES Printing & Packaging at http://www.aresny.com/, which I also represent.If you have any further questions about today's tip, please email me at greg@ecofriendlyprinter.comGreg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009http://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/search?q=greg+barber?NID=255Digital printing has increased my Green printing sales. Most of our clients are smaller green entrepreneurs, and many are brand new to printing in general. I get a lot of questions from these young entrepreneurs, who want to do the environmentally correct print job, but struggle with preparing the files for us. This is also a good review for the seasoned designer.When preparing your files, that have solid pantone colors in the graphics, do "not" convert your files to CMYK. Most designers that know digital is printed in CMYK or RGB, think they need to convert the files to what they think we need.But, we prefer you don't do that. Our pre press equipment will automatically convert your files to what we need. We prefer to see your pantone color(s), and we then have your colors as a guide, as we do the conversion ourselves.Sometimes, our equipment might convert to RGB, and sometimes your digital pictures will be printed as RGB automatically. You wouldn't be able to foresee that we prefer that option.We want to make being Green easy for you. We will do the extra work.The same holds true on printing our 100% PCW or Tree Free business cards. Just give us 1 up files. Don't impose them for us. The imposition is automatic.The only thing that can hold you up is forgetting to add 1/8" bleed when the ink goes to the edge of the sheet. And, don't put your copy closer than 1/4" from the edge. Remember - digital printing needs a little margin.Greg BarberWed Nov 04 00:00:00 EST 2009