Is there such a thing as green graphic design and does green graphic design really matter? Yes and yes, said BPOVIA designers.

What do you have in mind when thinking of business going green? You might picture fortune 500 companies reducing their packing materials and installing wind farms and solar panels; as a graphic designer, however, you have more than one single option to be environmentally responsible. You can make a difference even if you are an independent graphic designer or small design company.

BPOVIA Graphic Design Service team has put together a list of examples of green graphic design initiatives for you to get started.

1. Streamline office space to improve energy efficiency.

BPOVIA believes that you have a plenty of choices to make your home office or commercial space. From lighting and design choice to windows and doors, even insulation and heating and cooling system is worth a try. To know if you can become certified as a sustainable business, you can contact the local commerce chamber to see if they have such information. BPOVIA is sure that some of the cities have greening chamber of commerce to address the issue today.

2. Create social changes

One of the BPOVIA designers had tried to make all his coworkers involved in becoming more environmentally aware. Ensure that every one is recycling and reducing wasted papers and materials. Different forms of green transportation to get to work should be encouraged such as bicycles, public transportation or carpooling.

3. Donate to green causes

Some designers in BPOVIA are purchasing carbon offset credits to offset the impact set when travelling for business or to a conference. Consider a donation matching program to match the employee donations to the environmental charities. Keep in mind to talk about these initiatives on the “About Us” page of your website or in an e-newsletter.

4. Work with green clients and organizations

When choosing clients to work with, BPOVIA suggests that you consider those who have environmental or corporate social responsibility initiatives in place. If you look at your clients’ communication materials carefully you will find that this is where you can help them better communicate any CSR or environmental initiatives and build a greener brand.

5. Make green production choices

There is a wide range of environmentally friendly ink for you to choose from in the market. Select a printer which employs the most environmentally friendly chemicals during the printing process and reduces wasted papers. BPOVIA Graphic Design Service team is educating itself about the recycled and sustainable paper sources; you should do the same too.

Here is list of the leading green graphic design resources if you want to find out more.

• Green Graphic Design by Brian Dougherty is a book addressing the ways in which the graphic designers can effect environmental change.

• Some BPOVIA Graphic designers are visiting the Society for responsible Design site on a daily basis. The site is packed with many useful tips for green graphic design.

• Design Change is a non-profit organization where you can find resources to create environmentally positive changes in your works.

• The Living Principle is a hub for green graphic designer where resources, community listing and a community forum can be found.