- GREEN INK - GREEN VISION - Responsible Graphic Designers :

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Here are many ideas to consider that can reduce your environmental impact and achieve better practice. Try : the REAP guide for Eco paper info. and ideas.
and now also see the Greener Print Procurement guide , just click the logos. We welcome input from all related Visual fields to increase the body and value of ideas for all to benefit:
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• Strive to create the greatest visual impact with the least environmental impact
  Achieving clients needs while limiting potential ecological damage
  
• Encourage their clients to consider the environmental impact of their production
  Educated clients are more willing to undertake ecologically sound projects
  
• Consider the use of tree free paper stock such as sugar cane waste, straw, seaweed, algae and hemp
  Alternative renewable paper sources can reduce need for wood pulp from old growth forests
  
• Consider the use of Recycled paper stock with a high Post Consumer (PC) recycled fibre content
  Clean mill waste has always been recycled so it is better to keep consumer paper out of landfill
  
  
• Consider the use of recycled paper stock that has not been de-inked
  De-inking is a energy expensive process which still results in toxic waste ink
  
• Consider the use of unbleached or non chlorine bleached paper stock
  Bleached paper requires the use of toxins which are harmful to marine and water based life
  
• Consider the use of vegetable based printing inks such as soy inks
  Vegetable based inks are renewable and emit less toxic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  
• Avoid the use of ink colours which contain high levels of heavy metals such as copper, chrome, etc.
  Many bright colours contain heavy metals which leach into ground water when landfilled
  
  
• Avoid overuse of gloss paper stock, because more exists than can be de-inked and recycled
  In some areas there is a glut of gloss paper because satin or matt paper is used less
  
• Avoid overuse of plastic films, foil stampings, metallic colours and synthetic adhesives
  Some synthetics have a life of 200-500 years after they have been disposed of in landfills
  
• Avoid over use of perfect bound or spiral bound spines as they are difficult to recycle
  The glues and metals in such binding impede cost effective recycling
  
• Avoid 'bleeds' that are then trimmed and must be de-inked before recycling
  Ink extended beyond trim marks requires more intensive recycling than ink within trim marks
  
  
• Consider the smallest paper size suitable for each job, ie A5 instead of A4
  Less paper used means less energy expended and should also be cheaper for client
  
• Use paper sizes and number of pages that best fit standard sheet stocks without wasteful trimming
  Printers can advise on best use of sheet stock for less paper wastage and more price savings
  
• Use the least amount of ink colours for the job, ie 2 colour output instead of 4 colour
  The greater the number of inks the more cleaning fluids required for the presses = greater cost
  
• Avoid using too much ink in their designs
  More ink means more difficult de-inking or greater toxic residue leaching into groundwater
  
  
• Consider using filmless and plateless digital printing technology for small run jobs
  Modern printing technology can reduce amount of plastics, metals and inks used for printing
  
• Use computer equipment which has energy saver features
  Energy saver equipment shuts down when not is use saving burden on non-renewable fossil fuels
  
• Use the back side of other sheets to proof their work from inkjet printers
  Increases by double the life span of office paper. Be careful with lasers as toner can adhere to the drum.
  
• Avoid overpackaging, ie postcard for mailing instead of envelope and letter
  Follows credo of REDUCE, avoids unnecessary paper waste and expense
  
  
• Use the recycled logo or other devices to promote the recycled nature of their production
  Customers and Users need to have the opportunity to know they are purchasing recycled goods
  
• Promote design responsibility by printing PCW content, ink and bleaching type on their work
  Customers & Users educated by one product will look for the same credentials in other other products
  
• Specify that the windows on business envelopes be of recyclable cellulosic content
  Cellulose based windows can be recycled as paper or easily composted, plastic cannot
  
• Keep informed of the latest environmental developments in inks, papers and printing processes
  New technologies and rediscoveries of old techniques for green design are occurring constantly

To implement all the above ideas may be impossible - yet every suggestion adopted will make a difference. Industry is greening faster now, your efforts may be genuinely appreciated.

the REAP guide v 1.5 and the Greener Print Procurement guide :

the Greener Print Procurement guide : For a step-by-step review of design to print, making significant carbon and environmental savings.

the REAP guide : For the latest Eco paper information for Australasia online and more print ideas.

www.earthgraphicdesign.com and click ... / we think / environment ... - Earth Graphic Design

• Easy-to-follow web site with plenty of substance. Separate pages detail the issues for ink, paper and recycling. Combined with links to other related sites show that these designers are true to their craft.

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- FASHIONED THREADS - Responsible Apparel Designers :

SRD Home . or . click the SRD logo for a full site tour!

Here are many ideas to consider that can reduce your environmental impact and achieve better practice.
We welcome input from all related Apparel fields to increase the body and value of ideas for all to benefit:
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• Aim to make long lasting clothing
  The more durable a garment the greater the timespan before replacement is needed, less resources are used
  
• Strive to design clothing with classic lines
  Fashion styles are transient fads which require constant redundancy, classic styling equals a long life
  
• Consider the use of recycled materials with a high Post Consumer Waste (PCW) recycled content
  PET drink bottles recycled into polyester yarns, charity shop discards shredded to make new yarn, rubber tyres into shoe soles
  
• Consider the use of natural renewable materials
  Fibres like Cotton, Wool and Silk are renewable unlike virgin synthetics which are a by-product of non renewable fossil fuel extraction
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• Consider the use of unbleached materials
  Bleaching requires the use of toxins which are harmful to marine and water based life
  
• Consider the use of chemical free natural materials
  Cotton, for example, is often processed using toxic formaldehyde to reduce shrinkage and wrinkling
  
• Consider the use of undyed materials
  Many dyes leach heavy metals into groundwater and waterways during production, home washing and landfill disposal
  
• Consider the use of naturally coloured materials
  Green and Brown cotton can grown without dyeing, Wool can be naturally black, grey, brown, fawn and ecru.
  
  
• Consider wherever possible using organic materials
  
• Organic fibres are grown without the heavy use of potentially toxic synthetic insecticides, herbicides and fertiliser
  
• Consider the use of natural renewable components
  Buttons and Jewellery can be made from Tagua nuts from the Amazon rainforest. Plantation wood buttons as well.
  
• Consider the use of recycled and/or recyclable components
  Recycled PET cords, labels, webbings and 100% polyester recyclable zippers. Also recycled glass as buttons & toggles
  
• Investigate alternative fibre sources
  Hemp can be grown organically and has the strength of polyester, Tencel is plantation pulp extruded through a recycled solvent process.
  
  
• Maximise fabric yields and minimise fabric wastage by carefully checking layplans & garment Design
  Extravagant pattern shapes can lead to a high amount of unwanted material which is then thrown away
  
• Consider laying up with cardboard patterns instead of using computer generated layplan paper Computer Aid
  Manufacture needs new throwaway paper plans every time a new cut is done, cardboard can be used over & over
  
• Design functional garments
  Pockets that can actually be used and are not for affect, ornamental components avoided , sized for comfort not vanity, etc.
  
• Use synthetic dyes which are colourfast or completely biodegradable if natural based dyes
  Coloured dyes can leach out during fabric/garment dyeing and washing contaminating waterways
  
  
• If using synthetic materials consider using homogeneous (all the same) materials
  For example some garments are 100% polyester, including labels, trims and thread so they can be recycled without contaminants
  
• If using natural materials consider using all naturals
  It should be possible to compost 100% natural garments, especially unbleached, organic materials, after their long useful life
  
• Ask their material suppliers to provide a comprehensive background on the fabrics and trim
  Exhibiting interest in the technical and environmental history of a suppliers materials keeps them aware of their products shortcomings
  
• Provide concise information on material content and care/laundering on permanent garment labelling
  Educated customers will value their garments and treat them with respect which will lead to longer useful garment life.
  
  
• Avoid use of materials or construction detailing that requires special laundering
  Dry-cleaning, for example, is an expensive process which uses toxic solvents, such as hydrocarbons which are linked to ozone depletion
  
• Educate both retail and end use customers on the environmental benefits of their designs
  Customers once educated will demand, or at least expect, the same high environmental standards from other garment designers
  
• Investigate methods of reducing materials waste in the production process
  Short roll ends can be sold to staff, clean cutting scraps given to Reverse Garbage for school projects, natural fabric scraps composted
  
• Keep informed of the latest environmental developments in materials, components and manufacture
  New technologies and rediscoveries of old techniques for green design are occurring constantly

(To implement all the above ideas may be impossible - yet every suggestion adopted will make a difference.)

http://www.treehugger.com/galleries/2009/01/nancy-judds-recycle-runway-collection.php?page=1 - Some Inspirational Recycle Runway Couture

http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/csf.htm Fashioning the future - The Sustainable Catwalk Show in London

Organised by The London College of Fashion, part of the University of the Arts London. They opened their Centre for Sustainable Fashion in 2008. The Catwalk show will take place on the evening of Monday Oct 27, 2008 and the Summit starts the next day. One of our selected exhibitors for last years SRD Change exhibition, Rachael Cassar is a finalist in the Catwalk competition which is part of a Sustainable Fashion Summit. For some inspirations see their catalogue: 2MB file size CSF_CataloguE Designers v2.pdf

http://www.conservation.org/ - Conservation Initiative

Enterprise promoting the commercial use of Amazonian rainforest products to keep indigenous tribes actively employed without destroying their forests. Promotes the use of ivory like Tagua nuts for jewellery and buttons and Treetap Vegetal, a natural latex rubber replacement from vinyl or leather.

http://www.maudnlil.com.au - Maud n Lil

Sydney based designers of clothing and toys from organic cotton. Easy to follow web site with organic facts and links to other organic cotton sites.

http://www.iatp.org - Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

Home page for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. It promotes resilient family farms, rural communities and ecosystems around the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy. A search feature provides many articles on cotton, etc.

ncbe@ncbe.co.uk -Textile Environment Network.

An international group of designers working in fibres, fabrics, finishes and products who are concerned about the environmental impact of the traditional textile industry

hemp.net@f701.n280.z2.fidonet.org - International Hemp Association

A nonprofit organisation established to promote the beneficial uses of hemp products worldwide. The IHA has sponsored programmes in Russia, China, Hungary and the Netherlands. The programmes centre around the themes of germplasm collection and conservation, hemp fibre identification, hemp product quality control.

http://www.patagonia.com - Patagonia

US based outdoor clothing company (with Australian stores) who have helped pioneer mainstream apparel from recycled PET drink bottles and from organic cotton. Great website with lots of information of environmental aspects of their products.

Oct 30 : 2008 : Ecochic :: An environmentally friendly fashion show and cocktail party promoting eco fashion and the concept that luxury living - from fashion to art, food and beyond - could become ecologically and socially sustainable. See the YouTube video : Hong Kong, China

Apr 7 : 2011 : The Big Green Conference :: Addressing Evolving Sustainability Challenges in the Fibre, Textile, Carpet and Apparel industries. The Industries Association Consortium* presents a conference to show you how putting environmental and social responsibility at the heart of management practices is key to securing the long-term future of your company. It will promote achieving sustainability in workplaces through sustainable leadership and green business solutions. International & domestic presenters include those who have influence over environmental stewardship, have initiated innovative and/or strategic solutions to green industry supply chains and/or developed sustainable business models, procedures and/or products within the fibre and textile industry.. Speakers :: Website : Geelong, Au

- INNER HARMONY - Responsible Interior Designers

SRD Home . or . click the SRD logo for a full site tour!

Here are many ideas to consider that can reduce your environmental impact and achieve better practice.
We welcome input from all related Design fields to increase the body and value of ideas for all to benefit:
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• Use all materials sparingly, particularly non-renewable resources
  Old growth timbers, metals and precious stone are finite resources, for which better alternatives exist.
  
• Select materials from renewable resources or recycled sources
  Recycled materials are now more available, as are renewable materials like straw based particle boards.
  
• Consider the offgassing properties of some materials
  Formaldehydes in boards/textiles, benzene and toluene in paints can increase indoor air pollution.
  
• Use products and furnishings which have considered their life cycle impact
  Look at Picto and Aeon office chairs can be disassembled for recycling, keeping them out of landfill.
  
  
• Strive for a 'look' which isn't only a fashion statement
  Appropriate design will ensure that materials and products will have long years of use.
  
• Use energy efficient appliances and fittings to save burning those fossil fuels
  Compact fluoros and halogen lights use minimal energy while curtains and draft stoppers retain heat
  
• Use materials which will aid in passive solar design
  Floor tiles and concrete slabs, for example, in sunny winter rooms absorb and reradiate heat at night.
  
• Use natural ventilation
  Spaces can be cooled down in summer and rooms ventilated against indoor air pollution
  
  
• Make sure the specification addresses all the eco qualities you are wanting in your design
  For example specifying timbers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council clearly shows your intent
  
• Design an eco deconstruction spec. when renovating or relocating so that materials are not wasted
  Often no-one knows what to do with site materials, such a spec means they taken offsite responsibly
  
• Start a library of eco-products and materials in your office library for others to use as well
  Clients are often inspired after handling samples of eco-products. Help educate peers by example
  
• Keep themselves up to date on eco-design issues
  Use the accompanying resource list plus the SRD Talk and newsletters to keep up with latest issues
  
  
• Select products and materials which create a healthy indoor environment
  Avoid wall to wall carpets by using hard surfaces with floor rugs which can be easily cleaned and aired
  
• Select water efficient products to save this precious commodity
  Specify low flow or automatic cut-off taps and fittings, insulated tanks and pipes, quick boil urns, etc.
  
• Promote the benefits of energy and water conservation to clients
  While upfront costs may be higher, longer term use actually saves clients big money
  
• Consider increasing the amount of natural light into spaces to reduce need for artificial lighting
  Correct placement of windows, internal partitions and colours of walls/surfaces improve lighting
  
  
• Specify timbers which they have ensured come from a long term renewable source
  Timbers recognised by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) are certified as sustainably harvested
  
• Select 'pure blend' textiles, which are most suitable for the job they have to perform
  100% blends make for ease of recycling, better still select a material which has already been recycled
  
• Select fabrics which have come from a more sustainable source
  For example, DesignTex have a line made from organic ramie/wool dyed with non toxic dyes
  
• Avoid the use of chemically treated fabrics
  Moth and stain proofing treatments can impact on both environmental and personal health
  
  
• Consider installation of energy saving devices
  Such as movement and light sensors for artificial lighting in offices and home to reduce energy use
  
• Specify low Volatile Organic Compound emission paints
  Plant or mineral based products emit less VOCs, which can contribute to Sick Building Syndrome
  
• Use materials for presentation boards which can either be used again or recycled
  Avoid styrene boards which can be difficult to recycle and conserve samples for further reuse
  
• Prepare working drawings on A4 & A3 paper or digital CAD files on disks for easy copying
  Not every consultant or contractor needs all the details on an large wasteful A1 sheet

(To implement all the above ideas may be impossible - yet every suggestion adopted will make a difference.)

http://www.iida.com/ - International Interior Designers Association

A wealth of information for interior designers. Look for their Sustainable Leadership Awards, Sustainable Design Student Competition and database called Knowledge Center / Categories.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/ - Environmental Building News

A terrific regular newsletter also available by subscription for hard copies with full details of all articles. Includes some useful information for interior designers. Some articles from back copies available on website. A new searchable CD-ROM of all back issues also available. http://www.envirolink.org/aboutsite/ - Envirolink

A general environmental website with useful information on nearly anything you'd want to know about conserving the environment. See the Sustainable Business Network link for useful information and articles about products and materials.

http://oikos.com/green_products/index.php - Resources for Environmental Design - Oikos Green Building Source.

A searchable database of over 1,400 products and resources for green buildings. Run by IRIS Communication in Oregon. US based list that is good green product reference.

"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world -
For indeed that's all who ever have." Margaret Mead

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