subject: 3 Questions to Make Sure You Get True Green Printing for Your Green Wedding [print this page] 3 Questions to Make Sure You Get True Green Printing for Your Green Wedding
It's not as hard or expensive to be ecologically responsible as it was a decade ago. But that doesn't mean it's always easy to find a green printing to have a true green wedding!
Plenty of printing companies will misrepresent their practices if they think this will get them your business. Here are 3 questions you should ask to make sure you're getting real green printing for a real green wedding.
1. What Kind of Green Paper Options are Available for My Wedding?
Wedding invitations are some of the most important documents you'll ever create, so it makes sense to use the best available paper. However, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of ecologically responsible paper is whether or not it is recycled.
Recycled paper often brings to mind images of low-quality paper used in office copy machines. Please don't let that influence your choice in wedding invitations. Recycled paper has come a long way.
In the past, it was almost impossible to create recycled paper that matched the quality and brightness of virgin paper. Yet through new advances green printers have come close to creating the same level of quality. Plus, recycled papers that include high fiber content are inviting to the touch. This "touch factor" can create artful wedding invitations.
Some green printers may even have ways for you to use virgin paper and still maintain your commitment to the environment. Ask if the printer is involved in any sustainability programs that advocate for the socially and ecologically responsible use of forests.
Some of these programs offer certifications to participating businesses. For example, PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, and FSC, the Forest Stewardship Council, both work with various partners to ensure that forests are used in conscientious and sustainable ways.
2. Do You Use Soy-Based Inks, Vegetable-Based Inks, or Another Green Option?
Now, more than ever, the affect of our continued dependence on oil and petroleum-based products is obvious. Foregoing traditional petroleum-based inks in favor of soy-based inks should be an easy decision.
Soy-based inks have less of an environmental impact because they are made from a renewable resource. Vegetable-based inks are easier to refine than petroleum-based ink, so they make less of an environmental impact. Paper printed with soy-based inks is also easier to recycle.
If that wasn't enough, soy-based inks are competitive with traditional inks because soy produces brighter colors with less pigment.
Unfortunately, soy and vegetable-based inks are not available for use at home. This makes it even more important to talk to your green printer about their inks.
3. Do You Utilize Digital Printing?
Traditional printing uses a staggering array of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. In addition, this sort of printing also takes copious amounts of water.
Digital printing, on the other hand, uses no water (which is why it is sometimes called waterless printing) and produces comparable results. Responsible printers should also take steps to recycle their printing plates and any leftover ink.
Some printers go the extra mile and try to reduce their carbon footprint by working with places like Carbon Fund. Chose one of these printers if you can!
Before You Go, Check the Internet
Before leaving the house, check the Internet to see which companies the above groups have certified. It will save you time and make the process much smoother.
