Eco-friendly graphic designing is all about practicing more sustainable designs. This move goes beyond converting to non-toxic and recyclable materials. It also involves the use of energy saving means. The primary aim of practicing a sustainable design is to reduce the use of available resources, as a way of reducing waste. Preferring and using re-usable and recyclable materials definitely have positive impacts to the environment.

The main job of a graphic designer is to produce creative ideas that will effectively send the client’s message across. By working a greener image, you also get to involve your client and add value to your relationship with him. More and more consumers are turning a new page in preferring greener products and services. In simple words, greener product packaging and greener design are readily interesting and difficult to resist. For instance, more and more conscientious clients and buyers are going for paperless, bio-degradable and low-emission products. Apparently, brands and businesses that support eco-friendly movement have experienced a significant increase in their demand or sales. This relatively translates to an increasing demand for eco-friendly graphic designing jobs as they save print costs, energy costs and shipping costs while optimizing profit and promoting a much healthier Earth.

Graphic designing materials like paper can be saved by opting for PDF and email formats. Digital and electronic design presentations and signatures are fully adequate and as effective as paper. To establish adequate lighting and save on energy costs, converting to LED and other modern task lamps can yield huge savings on overhead costs. If the client still prefers printed campaigns, make extra effort to use recyclable materials for your full colored catalogs.

However, no matter how committed you are to your eco-friendly graphic designing campaign, the clients are still the ones to decide about the design or outcome of your designs. Eco-friendly details like using certain size of paper of one-color jobs may not be that interesting or convincing to the client’s taste. However, you can still persuade them for some other eco-friendly options for graphic design outputs. For instance, offer the possibility of having email campaigns and online catalogs instead of postcard campaigns. Not only do direct mail campaigns have low response rate, the cost of printing and mailing makes this option less appealing. In this age of internet and electronic gadgets, paperless graphic campaigns are proven to create better results. Try to persuade your clients for more sustainable and cost-effective paperless campaigns.

If printing is necessary, you can always talk to your printer about using eco-friendly paper and printing ink options that does not compromise the quality of your work. For signage and banners, work with companies that use environment-friendly inks and durable eco-friendly print materials.

Going for eco-friendly graphic designing resources and methods is a great effort to saving the planet and preserving the world’s limited resources. Not only that, your knowledge as a green graphic designer can be used to help your clients save money by marketing themselves in the more eco-friendly manner.

First on the list is the use of biofuels in airplanes as well as on vehicles used in ground support. This is good news especially when the rising costs of conventional fuels are taken into consideration, not to mention their enormous carbon footprints from the oil fields into the airplane tanks. Even related products like the de-icing and anti-icing fluids are now being derived from natural non-petroleum sources like corn and sugar. Although there is still a long way to go before we can see biofuel pumped into all airplanes, one small step towards this goal is one step in the right direction for a greener airline industry.

Other sources of energy are also being considered particularly in the fields of nuclear and solar power. Since these are almost inexhaustible, the need to discover new oilfields can be done away with. Plus, these are the cleanest sources of energy you can find on Earth, which means that it is almost free in cost both to the pockets and to the planet.

Lest you think that solar and nuclear powered airplanes are fodder for science fiction authors and their avid readers, think again. The military has developed nuclear-powered but unmanned air vehicles while other organizations are delving deeper into hybrid air vehicles using a combination of solar and hydrogen technologies. But fuels are only one part of the equation in making the airline industry a greener one. Airplanes are being designed with the birds’ physiology in mind such that a blended wing body ala Mother Nature’s sky denizens are in the pipeline. Also, the structure is lighter in weight and narrower in body sans the large vertical tail-fin, all in the interest of improving fuel efficiency.

Since research on birds reveal that their routes change constantly and, surprisingly, conserve on energy, air traffic agencies are also exploring the possibility of providing for new energy-efficient routes. Although it may take time before this becomes a reality considering the complexity of air travel, it is good news for the eco-conscious passengers. Even the manufacturers of airplane engines are getting in on the act. Green engines are being designed with non-toxic, recyclable and recoverable materials and components, in addition to greener manufacturing processes.

As for the interiors of the plane itself, recycled materials are being used on the seats, carpets and other components. Passengers need not worry about lesser comfort in business class as airlines still adhere to strict guidelines on this matter. Indeed, we may yet see an airline industry that is as green as can be. Or as blue as the sky it calls its road.

Large companies and corporations often set standards in society. When they start making changes they can influence individuals to change, too. This is true too of the government. When the government starts making changes, people take notice. They are more likely to make those same changes in their own home.

Changes on the Federal Level

One move that the federal government is making is a switch to federal buildings that are more environmentally friendly. Kevin Kampschroer, from the General Services Administration, is the person who is leading this change. He is hoping to help the environment and also those people who work in the federal buildings.

Kampschroer is the director for the Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings. This division of the General Services Administration is newly formed and aimed at helping Kampschroer with his green buildings mission. In 2007 Congress passed requirements for sustainable design and energy reduction for buildings. With the General Services Administration being the largest public real estate agency, it is Kampschroer’s mission to get them compliant with the regulations and to set an example for other real estate owners.

What Is Being Done

Through this new office many changes are being made. There is a project to transform the GSA’s headquarters into an environmentally friendly building. This building was built in 1918 and the renovations will be major to get it up to green standards.

The building will have extensive changes made to it. This includes an atrium that is lit with all natural light. There will also be a system installed to produce renewable energy right on site. To help reduce water consumption there will be a rain water collection system installed. New windows will also be installed that will help save energy and that include a special feature that turns off the air conditioning when the windows are opened.

In addition to all those renovations and additions there will also be vegetation planted on all rooms to help save energy. Vegetation of roofs can help to save on energy usage by keeping
buildings cooler. It also helps to reduce run off which contributes to water pollution.

Influencing Others

The hope with the GSA’s project is to influence others and start a movement in the private sector. By setting a good example about how going green can be beneficial in a variety of ways and that it is not that difficult to implement changes that allow you to convert buildings to be more environmentally friendly, Kampschroer hopes that all real estate owners will take the cue and start making changes in their buildings.

The good news is that you do not even need to go far to look for these eco-friendly ways. Just go out into your backyard, look at your garden and the answer will come leaping right at you – compost! That is, if you have not adopted the methods of compost gardening yet.

As can be expected, there are many benefits to be had from making compost as your family’s next eco-friendly project. It will definitely make for a good time in terms of bonding with your children and educating them on eco-friendly issues in a more relaxed setting.

For one thing, you need not spend money on artificial fertilizers and pesticides as compost itself acts in these manners, one more than the other. Your household waste from your vegetable and fruit peelings to your own human waste – yes, we are talking about your poop – can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost.

For another thing, you are doing yourself and Mother Nature a favor by using compost in your garden. Your plants will not be exposed to chemical fertilizers and, hence, become organic produce. We all know by now the benefits of organic food.

Your soil, too, will benefit in the sense that its nutrient composition, resistance to pests, droughts and diseases as well as structure improves to significant degrees. Plus, there is also the fact that compost can hold as much as six times its own weight on water, which means that there is lesser need for irrigation.

So, how does one start making compost as a family project? Well, you have to make it a conscious decision amongst all the family members that composting will become a family activity from now on. In this way, everybody will make the conscious effort to segregate their wastes into ready-for-the-compost and ready-for-the-recycling-bin.

It will help your cause if you have already researched into the steps, tips and guidelines for making compost. Generally speaking, you should not place dairy products and meat of any kind into the rotting compost as these items will attract pests like flies and rodents.

Instead, newspaper print paper, wood shavings and plant clippings, fruit and vegetable peelings are the best materials to start on your compost heap. You may purchase a compost bin for the purpose although it is also advisable to make your own compost heap out of scrap materials like wood and chicken wire.

You must also educate yourself about the things like turning time, temperature and other matters related to making good compost. And if you do, you will always have a source of fertilizers and mulch for your garden without spending money on them. Think of it as saving the planet while saving your pocket.

Indeed, compost may seem yucky to your kids. It is up to you to educate them about the black gold that Mother Nature is giving us with to nourish ourselves and protect our planet from further harm.

What exactly is zero waste? According to its proponents, it is a philosophy promoting the ideal of very minimal to zero waste being thrown in any way. Instead, material things are used and reused almost ad infinitum, a process used in nature where nothing goes to waste and everything has its purpose in the general scheme of things. The basic principle is that new inputs can be made from old inputs using processes that are as energy-efficient and eco-friendly as possible.

Let’s take the all-too-common glass milk bottle that ultimately finds its way into the dump after being emptied of its contents. Yes, the bottle can be placed in the recycle bin in your home. The problem begins when it ends up in the landfill, contrary to your initial purpose. And so, millions more of these bottles still litter the landfill. With zero waste, however, certain measures will ensure that said milk bottle will be reused by the consumer. For example, the milk bottle has a deposit attached to it, which you can redeem at selected outlets. The returned bottle is then washed, refilled and then resold, thus, repeating the cycle.

Well, of course, there will be waste in the form of the wash water but, then again, even that can be reused after certain cleaning processes. If dirty sewage water can be made potable, then water used to clean milk bottles can be, too. But zero waste is not just applicable to homes. It can also be applied to larger organizations like businesses, schools and industries. For example, in businesses, the principles of zero waste is applicable to the elimination of solid and hazardous wastes, efforts to improve efficiency, and even reduction in wastes generated in productions operations.

Zero waste has its benefits. Otherwise, we will not be promoting it as a better alternative to the "reduce, reuse and recycle" movement. These benefits include:

Reduction   in wastes often equal reduction in operating costs. Many companies like computer   manufacturers have benefited from zero waste, with savings running into   the millions. This, in turn, leads   to sustainable operations in the long-term period.
Production   processes benefit by way of faster progress, which means greater competitiveness   in the market while lessening negative environmental impact. Even the image of being an   environmentally responsible company creates an edge in the market.
Enhanced   environmental protection is given with zero waste management in place.

Nobody said that switching to zero waste is easy. Still, it is imperative that we try because of the worsening problems related to how wantonly we burden Mother Nature with our trash. Ultimately, it is humanity that will suffer from our own disregard for the wastes we leave behind.

Explaining the Concept

To go green means to do things that are more environmentally friendly. The reason why it has become a major concept these days is directly related to the fact that we are becoming more aware of the problems we face by continuing to do things without regards to the environment.

There are many examples of how our way of living has started to damage the environment. There is the fact that natural resources are starting to deplete and one day, possibly in our lifetime, we will run out of the resources that we are so dependent upon. By going green we are able to learn to live without being dependent, wasteful and without causing further damage to the environment.

Simple Green Moves

Going green is not even that difficult. Many manufacturers have made greener versions of their best selling products. For example, there are a nice range of environmentally friendly cleaning products on the market. There are also organic foods on the market that are grown and made using environmentally friendly production procedures. It isn’t even just small product changes, though. Going green can be done on a larger scale, too.

The new hybrid vehicles on the market that use a combination of electric and gas to cut down on the amount of gasoline used and the pollution produced from operating the vehicle. There are also new forms of gasoline on the market that are made from renewable sources, like corn. These things have a very large impact on the environment. They reduce pollution and also make us less relent on oil.

There are also ways to make your home greener. There are companies that will come to your home and convert it to hybrid power. Most common, is solar power, which uses the sun as energy. It allows you to run your home off of solar power and use your electric in limited amounts. Again, this helps to reduce pollution and the use of oil.

Benefits of Going Green

Going green is wonderful for the environment, but that is not the only benefit. The biggest benefits to you is that going green can save you money and help you keep your family healthier.
Using green products in your home to clean or buying organic vegetables is great for the environment, reducing pollution and other benefits, but it also is safer for your family. Your family is not being exposed to chemicals and other agents in products and foods that have been proven to be harmful. You are reducing your family’s risk of getting sick with just small changes.

Going green can also save you a lot of money. Using solar energy, for example, can really cut your electric expenses. Solar power is free. Once you have the equipment in place to capture that energy you never pay an energy bill.

Going green is something that is right for everyone. It is becoming the new way of life. We have come to a point where we have to start taking better care of our environment so that it is still around for our children, their children and so on.

Let’s start with the taxes – the thorn in the side of so many income earners, home owners and prize winners. Did you know that you can actually save on your taxes come April 15 by adopting a greener lifestyle? You may think of it as getting one over the IRS while doing your share for the environment. You can decide which gives the most personal satisfaction.

First, you can undertake basic home improvements. The trick is using products with the Energy Star label. For the uninitiated, the Energy Star is the international standard adopted by countries in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and the European Union countries for rating energy efficient consumer products. Said products can range from computer items and kitchen appliances to insulation and other materials for home improvements.

Products with Energy Star labels save 20 to 30 percent on energy costs. The best thing, however, about the products is that you can avail of tax credits of up to 30 percent on their costs but not more than $1,500. For example, if you purchased water heaters and storm doors with the Energy Star label for $5,000 in cash, you will be able to refund $1,500 in tax credits, if you qualify, that is.

Second, you can get a step up in these tax credits by undertaking major home renovations. Sure, you will be spending a greater amount of money but you will also be able to avail of higher tax refunds when the time comes for them.

There are a few criteria before you can be eligible for the tax refund. The most important of these criteria is that your major renovation should be able to generate electricity, which means that only the installation of wind turbines, solar panels and geothermal heat pumps will qualify as tax refundable.

The good news is that there is no ceiling to the amount of the refund in terms of the dollar amounts. The cap is on the percentage rate of the refund, which is set at 30 percent of the total cost of installation. For example, if your newly-installed solar panels cost $10,000 total, then you may be eligible for a $3,000 tax credit on your tax returns.

Third, you can purchase a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Yes, the federal or the state government provide for a tax credit if and when you lose your old clunker, sentimental value or none. For example, the Chevrolet Volt will cost $40,000 on the tag. This price will go down once the maximum tax credit of $7,500 for green cars is put into the equation.

Indeed, it is not necessary to demolish your home and then build a new one to make it more energy efficient. It is, however, one of the ways to go green and save on taxes but not everybody can do it especially in the housing bust. Often, all you need to do is start with the small things and build your green lifestyle from that point.

DIY or Professional

And speaking of dollars, you may want to install the windows yourself so as to save on the costs. This is all well and good if and when you have the necessary skills, techniques and tools to undertake the job on your own.

However, if you are not in any way qualified to make the window installation project on a do-it-yourself manner, just refrain from doing so. You will only be bringing grief unto yourself – jagged walls, broken windows and personal accidents, all of which will boil down to greater costs when you have aimed to lower your electricity bills.

Instead, you should contact a skilled professional to do the job for you. Keep in mind that improper installation can allow cold air to pass into the rooms, insects to enter and pester the occupants and the windows to be damaged from the added moisture.

Energy and Non-Energy Benefits

Energy-efficient windows provide for both energy and non-energy benefits as discussed below.

Your indoor climate   will be stabilized. As a result,   your energy bills will be lower, your dependence on the main grid will be   lesser and your carbon footprint on this planet is reduced. This is because these windows allow heat   to stay in winter and the cold to stay in summer, thanks to their special insulation   properties. As such, you can spend   winter or summer in more comfort with very little, if any, additions to   your heating or air-conditioning bills, respectively.
You can   avail of rebates and tax credits on the installation of these   windows. Ask your state and local energy   authorities for said benefits.
Your sun-exposed   furniture and drapes are better protected from the fading effects of   sunlight as these windows filter out the ultraviolet rays. Of course, such a filtering action also   means that your skin is protected from these harmful cancer-causing rays   of the sun while you are relaxing inside your eco-friendly home.
Your home   will be better protected from the noise coming in from outside   sources. This is because of the   inherent sound insulation of these energy efficient windows.
Your house   will have extra protection against burglars and other intruders. These windows are made of multiple   panes, which make them harder to break.   Such a feature also means lesser glass breakage during windstorms,   fires and earthquakes.

You can purchase energy efficient windows from retailers and building contractors. Be sure to ask for warranty on the windows as well as professional installation service, both of which are very important in enjoying the benefits of these eco-friendly windows.

Large companies and corporations often set standards in society. When they start making changes they can influence individuals to change, too. This is true too of the government. When the government starts making changes, people take notice. They are more likely to make those same changes in their own home.

Changes on the Federal Level

One move that the federal government is making is a switch to federal buildings that are more environmentally friendly. Kevin Kampschroer, from the General Services Administration, is the person who is leading this change. He is hoping to help the environment and also those people who work in the federal buildings.

Kampschroer is the director for the Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings. This division of the General Services Administration is newly formed and aimed at helping Kampschroer with his green buildings mission. In 2007 Congress passed requirements for sustainable design and energy reduction for buildings. With the General Services Administration being the largest public real estate agency, it is Kampschroer’s mission to get them compliant with the regulations and to set an example for other real estate owners.

What Is Being Done

Through this new office many changes are being made. There is a project to transform the GSA’s headquarters into an environmentally friendly building. This building was built in 1918 and the renovations will be major to get it up to green standards.

The building will have extensive changes made to it. This includes an atrium that is lit with all natural light. There will also be a system installed to produce renewable energy right on site. To help reduce water consumption there will be a rain water collection system installed. New windows will also be installed that will help save energy and that include a special feature that turns off the air conditioning when the windows are opened.

In addition to all those renovations and additions there will also be vegetation planted on all rooms to help save energy. Vegetation of roofs can help to save on energy usage by keeping
buildings cooler. It also helps to reduce run off which contributes to water pollution.

Influencing Others

The hope with the GSA’s project is to influence others and start a movement in the private sector. By setting a good example about how going green can be beneficial in a variety of ways and that it is not that difficult to implement changes that allow you to convert buildings to be more environmentally friendly, Kampschroer hopes that all real estate owners will take the cue and start making changes in their buildings.

One new book, written by Mindy Pennybacker is offering some help to that problem. Here book, which is called Do One Green Thing: Saving the Earth through Simple, Everyday Choices, heralds the benefit of doing things every day to make a difference. The book is less than 300 pages long, but within the book many common questions are covered. There are important answers to questions on Personal Care as well as Apparel, Food and Drink, Transportation, and a Green Home. For people who want to find simple ways that they can go green in their lives, this is definitely a book worth reading, full of simple changes that people can easily make to go green.

According to Meryl Streep, “easy of access” is what is so important to helping people choose to go green today. It can be difficult to understand jargon on food products, trying to figure out which option is the best choice. However, with this book, it becomes much easier to figure out which choice is going to be best and which option is the greener option. Pennybacker and her book make these types of choices much easier and faster to make for the average person who wants to go green.

Within the book, there are many products that are recommended and plenty of facts to make going green easier. Even if you have a good handle on the green movement, you’ll find some surprises and information that you didn’t know in this book. There are important recommendations on appliances, when it is right to purchase a new appliance that is environmentally friendly, and a whole lot more.

Today, although the green movement has become much more popular, you will find that it can be tough to navigate. Finding things to do that fit into your life can be a bit of a challenge. However, with this book, it becomes a lot simpler for you without becoming simplistic. Reading the book makes a lot of sense, both for those new to the econ friendly way of life and those well versed in it. There are important facts that can be used and by simply choosing to make small choices every day, you can go green and make a positive impact on the environment today.