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by Ekaterina Moustafina, Tembec / Kallima Paper

Using FSC^® certified paper for your design projects means taking part in the preservation of our forests. Specifying FSC paper is a great step towards a greener future of our beautiful planet and we can do even more. Designers have a privileged ability to communicate a message through their creations and influence people without using any words.

This is why we decided to outline these ten easy pointers for designers to have in mind while creating their next masterpiece. Wouldn’t you want to be the creator of an awesome piece that will also help to keep our planer
beautiful and green? If yes, then read on.

1-Have an inspirational message.
Every designer has a message he or she wants to communicate to us, but make it inspirational: make people want to live sustainably and be accountable for their actions.

2-Involve your customers and end-users in the design process.
We feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, when we take part in the creation process.

3-Use Simple Design.
A sustainable product should be easy to use, to recycle and to reuse.


4-Consider the materials you use.

• Is the stock coming from a sustainable source, like FSC certified paper?
• The paper may be recyclable but what about the inks you are using? Are they earth friendly?
• Use cradle-to-cradle design as often as possible. Part of this strategy, is creating awesome pieces from already used material, or transforming one product into something new. Isn’t this a great way to impress your customers and communicate a message?

5-Make your design reusable.
Making a product that can be used and reused is a great way to get the most out of the materials used, like a postcard turned into a bookmark.

6-Be transparent.
Tell people the story behind your design and the products you use. By being transparent you instill trust and influence other designers to follow.

7-Stay up-to-date on the new technology.
Be aware of the new resources coming out on the market, you never know what might help you design that new “super-green” masterpiece.

8-Work with your suppliers.
Demand information from your suppliers regarding the materials you are buying from them. You can influence your suppliers to purchase more environmentally-friendly materials.

9-Use your resources wisely.
Can you use the material in a more economical way? Don’t over order supplies, better estimate what is needed and produce just the materials you need. Measure ten times, and cut once.

10-Think of indirect impacts, like transportation.
Shipping materials from or products to a closer location is a more considerate option.

We want to know what you think: do you already use some of these techniques, do you agree, or disagree with any? Perhaps you have additional solutions for being a greater and greener designer? We want to hear from you! Thanks in advance for additional tips!