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The Goods: issue one | april 2007

Was Kermit wrong?

Kermit the Frog Photo

Being "green" may be easier than Kermit lead us to believe. With the passing of another Earth Day way back in April and amidst all of the hullabaloo regarding global warming, we thought it appropriate to share some green design initiatives that can help you, help us, help the environment. We think everyone can and should be taking the necessary steps toward minimizing our impact on the environment and improving the communities in which we live along with the quality of our lives, our customers’ lives, our employees’ lives and the lives of future generations.

We could tell you to ride your bike to work or take public transportation or car pool or buy hybrid, all of which are sound bits of advice. But we thought we’d stick with what we do best and offer some design alternatives that you can implement at a corporate level, joining the ranks of socially responsible companies without effecting the bottom line. (Win, win.) We, too, are pledging to take similar actions and to continually educate ourselves on being socially conscious in our own design practices and recommendations, exploring alternative options when viable.

Without further ado, here’s our list of some green initiatives:

1. When possible, go electronic.

As designers, we love paper, it’s true, but for correspondence and billing we opt for PDF’s. All of our project management is now conducted through a combination of email and web-based applications. You may also find that certain marketing tools like newsletters, data sheets and press releases are just as and sometimes more effective in electronic formats. Simple, yet effective alternatives that you can easily implement.

2. Use recycled paper.

Sure there are varying levels of recycled paper, but instead of bright-white copier/multi-use paper, go for the recycled variety for everyday use. All office supply stores like Staples, offer recycled paper and its cost point is comparable. Then, let everyone know by using our downloadable and totally resizable recycled logo.

3. Use low-impact printing methods.

In place of using petroleum-based inks, use soy- or vegetable-based inks, reducing volatile compounds released into the atmosphere. These renewable resource inks are competitively priced and provide healthier work places for printers. Same can be said for varnishes. They are also available as vegetable-based alternatives or can be replaced with water soluble aqueous coatings.

4. Stay local.

Using local resources, including printers, reduces long-distance delivery expenses and contributes to building a strong local economy.

5. Ask questions.

Simply put, we don’t have all the answers. Just like you, we are learning as we go, but are committed to practicing sustainable design when possible. If you have questions, contact us, talk to your vendors or call on your resident expert (if you have one).

Finally, let everyone know what you’re doing. Action breeds action. Over and out.

To learn more, contact John Saal at jws@untuckdesign.com or 610.355.2330.

Featured Project

: Art-Reach: A New Identity to Celebrate 20 Years

Art Reach IdentityArt-Reach, a nonprofit organization that helps underserved audiences of all ages, economic backgrounds and abilities experience the richness of the arts, approached UNTUCK to help them update and better communicate their mission and key initiatives. The result, a new identity demonstrating the infinite positive impact that art has on the human spirit while expressing the key concepts of teamwork and unity.