I was reminded recently about a great free source of information for nonprofits that VALCORE has taken advantage of. TechSoup (www.techsoup.org) offers a one-stop web site for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition, nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products that are generously provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners.

Techsoup editors write a weekly e-newsletter. A recent one was titled "A Nonprofit's Guide to Green Printing." It is extensive, so I will give you only some highlights that were references on www.dynamicgraphics.com.

1. Learn the lingo.
Common industry jargon will help you select environmentally friendly papers.
Virgin fiber: 100-percent "pure" fiber from an original source.
Post-consumer content: Paper once used by consumers that they sent to be recycled.
VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds (occur in printing ink).

2. Preserve and conserve.
The Recycled Products Cooperative estimates that over 100 million trees are cut each year to supply fiber for writing and printing papers in the United States. Using recycled paper saves landfill space and minimizes water and energy consumption. When you purchase any paper products, check the recycling symbols to see what percentage of recycled fiber was used during the manufacturing process.

3. Think about ink.
Fifty centuries ago in China, inks were made from soot suspended in vegetable oil. As technology progressed, petroleum-based inks became cheaper and more popular. However, petroleum-based inks pose a host of hazards to the environment. These inks contain a range of heavy metals that can leach into the soil and groundwater. Petroleum-based inks also emit VOCs into the air. VOCs are irritants to print shop workers and contribute to our smog issues.

Soy-based inks have made a comeback in recent years and now they are developing other vegetable-based inks that contain less VOCs than both soy-based or petroleum-based inks.

4. Do it digitally.
Digital printing is ideal for short-run, four-color work for business cards, stationery, and most print work that is less than one thousand sheets. Digital printing uses nontoxic toner and these inks produce less chemical waste.

5. Consider alternative papers.
A number of alternatives to traditional papers are now available such as Denim Blues (100-percent reclaimed blue jean cotton), Kenaf, and hemp.
There is even a waterproof paper called TerraSkin, which is made from ground stone that is stronger than the tyvek overnight envelopes.

6. Choose better bleaching solutions.
Brighter, whiter papers are created by various bleaching processes.
Oxygen-based compounds are safer for the environment than chlorine-based compounds.

7. Educate your customers.
Make a point of adding a description of the type of environmentally correct paper and printing that you are using on your promotional material.

8. Practice what you preach.
Conserve ink by determining whether print projects need to be full color.
Could a two-color design suffice instead? Avoid wasting paper by designing to standard press sizes and reduce the number of pages you print.

9. Stay informed.
Being environmentally responsible means staying current with new products and practices.

Local printers such as Minuteman Press and Sir Speedy will provide recycled paper and soy based inks for your next project.

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Vallejo's next free backyard composting class is scheduled for Saturday, September 9 from 10:00 am to noon at VALCORE.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 16 for our annual Coastal Cleanup starting at 9:00 am. Call 707 55-EARTH or check out VALCORE's web site to be assigned a location. Additional cleanups throughout Solano County are listed on www.recycle-guide.com.