We encourage you to plan your publications so that they minimize their negative impact on the environment whenever possible.

We are always looking for ideas on how to reduce the environmental impact of our publications. If you have suggestions for information and links to add to this page, please contact the publications officer.

Tips

Use recycled paper for your publication. The university will switch all bond paper supplies to 100 per cent post-consumer waste content beginning January 1, 2008. As the range of papers with high post-consumer fibre content is growing, recycled stock is often an economical and environmentally friendly option for specialized print jobs as well.

Reduce chlorine. Consider using paper that was not bleached with chlorine, which releases toxic chlorinated compounds into the environment. This is a particularly important consideration when choosing paper with post-consumer recycled content, which may have been bleached with chlorine to remove ink residue and whiten the stock.

Think ink. Vegetable-based inks (as opposed to petroleum-based inks) are more biodegradable, release less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their manufacture and use, and are safer for employee health.

Go direct to plate. Computer-to-plate technology eliminates the use of film, which avoids problems involved in film disposal, film storage and the chemicals used to process film.

Get an environmental audit. Ask your printer for information on their environmental manufacturing practices and to provide a customized environmental audit for your project.

Design for recycling. Ensure that your publication is recyclable. Some bindings and coatings, for example, render a publication unacceptable for recycling.

Further Information

• The UVic Sustainability Coordinator can provide information about recycling and other environmental concerns relating to publications. Visit the UVic Sustainability website for more information.

• Printers' National Environmental Assistance Centre (USA)
  Information on environmental issues related to printing, publishing and packaging, including checklists, fact sheets, case studies.
• Environmental Choice Program
  Environment Canada's eco-labeling program, includes much useful information on paper products and printing services.
• Conservatree (Paper for the Environment)
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to converting paper markets to environmental papers.
• CleanPrint BC
  Promotes safe environmental practices to the print industry in BC, experts list.
• Ecological guide to paper
  Poster-format specs on recycled papers.
• Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade sustainable development site Green publications checklist.

• The Forest Stewardship Council oversees a process whereby manufacturers of forest products may receive certification of environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically sustainable management of forests.