Interview by Emily Corey

Paper and print sustainability issues have been part of the recycling dialogue since the tree-hugging sixties and the idea of reusing what we write our memories on and pack our groceries in, jump-started much of the environmental movement that we know today.

Eco-savvy printers like David Hell of Graphics Plus have been part of the conversation for a long time. A native of North Dakota, he spends as much time as he can in the wilderness and is acutely aware of the need for sustainability in the land, and at the printing press. EcoZome caught up with him at his print shop in Seattle, WA.

EZ: What’s being done in the paper industry to minimize the damage to the world’s forests?
DH: Traditional logging practices contribute to water pollution and the destruction of human and wildlife habitats. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was founded in 1993 to challenge traditional forestry practices and explore sustainable ways to manage forests and the communities that surround them.

EZ: Has it been successful?
DH: Scientifically managed forests promote a healthier environment, enhance water, soil, and air quality, and support biodiversity. FSC certifies that forests around the globe meet these standards. Consumers are looking for positive news about the environment and certification translates into that.

EZ: How does that impact paper?
DH: It used to be people didn’t care what they printed on. Now, people do. Paper is synonymous with wood fiber. Where that wood comes from makes a huge difference. Using wood from a certified forest doesn’t alter the quality of the paper—but it does improve the business experience.

EZ: But doesn’t the public want recycled paper?
DH: Recycled paper is a great thing and consumers were a major force behind its development. Recycled paper also diverts waste from landfills and helps sustain the recycling process. But the average recycled paper only has about 35% recycled fiber and 25% comes from new cut timber. That makes the impact of the FSC management program even more important.

EZ: What other environmentally-friendly things can we do?
DH: Choose paper with pulp that is brightened without chlorine. Trim thoughtfully. You’d be surprised how a little adjustment in a layout can reduce the waste on a print run. I often recommend clients reduce their paper weight by a fraction—from 80 lb. to 70 lb. text, for example. That way, it takes fewer fibers to get the job done. Also, use inks made from renewable sources like soybeans, vegetables, and linseed oil. A good printer can help reduce toxins from pre-press through printing.

EZ: Do you think the print industry does enough to get the word out about paper?
DH: No. We could do a much better job. I think consumers got very comfortable with the idea of recycled paper, but there’s much more that can be done. Printers need to be more proactive with their clients and designers and get more involved. We need to have more consultations with them—earlier in the design path.

EZ: Printing on environmentally-friendly papers can be more expensive. Can people be converted?
DH: Absolutely. They just have to stop focusing on the price point. They have to look at the whole picture. Using eco-friendly paper is a selling point for companies and goes a long way with their customers. They just have to remember that when they look at their bottom line.

EZ: What advice would you give someone looking to print a new piece?
DH: Ask questions. Don’t assume just because a paper says it’s recycled that you can’t go even further into the sustainable world and get great printing results. Look for printers who actively engage in sustainable practices, use smarter papers, and are willing to spend more time with you to figure out the greenest approach.

David Hell is an independent, artisan printer and owner of Graphics Plus. He is the printer for the EcoZome Journal.