The phrase "Las Vegas green printing" may seem like an oxymoron, but as the town seeks to reinvent itself, the words Las Vegas and green will become inseparable.
Both Nevada and Las Vegas are working to diversify the state's economy by attracting more green-based businesses.
As these businesses make permanent homes in Las Vegas, there will be an increasing need for printing companies that work in accordance with green standards.
This is especially important for conventions, like the American Craft Retailers Expo, that have a large amount of attendees who are interested in going green.
Understanding green technology in the printing industry is different from other green initiatives.
But this short list of questions should make choosing a green printer a little less tiresome.
Does the printing company take its practices to heart? Does the printing company recycle? Las Vegas has been slow to jump on the recycling bandwagon, and it is not always easy for small businesses to participate in recycling programs.
Some small businesses even ask employees to take home their recycling.
So, even though this should be the first step in being a green printer, it may not be as easy as it seems and many printers tend to skip this step.
More than just throwing used paper in a bin, a responsible printer should avoid relying on one-use materials.
Proofs should be digital whenever possible and notes should be written on paper that has already been used.
Shipping materials should also be reused before they are recycled.
Is the printing company conscious of water conservation? Las Vegas green printing companies should understand that we live in a desert.
This desert is in the middle of a severe and prolonged drought.
Printers can be certain that conventions like the National Ground Water Association will want a water-smart process.
However, traditional printing processes involve transferring images to film, a process that takes a great deal of water.
The CTP, or computer to plate, process eliminates this step and produces the same quality prints.
It saves water and also limits the use of harmful chemicals.
In the event that a printing plate is damaged, the printing company should return to step 1 and recycle the plate.
Does the printing company hold any green certifications? There are several certification processes that are available for printers that are committed to being green.
Most of these certifications involve the responsible use of natural resources so that they will be available for future generations.
For example, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative helps companies make sure that they are buying wood and paper from responsible sources throughout North America.
Once a company completes the certification process, it can use the SFI label on its product branding.
This sort of branding is something consumers should look for.
Printing companies should take additional steps to ensure their customers that they are working towards a more sustainable future.
For instance, does the printer use soy-based inks? Or does the company do anything to offset its carbon emissions? Most green initiatives list participants on their web pages, so it shouldn't be too difficult to verify the claims of printers.
Above all else, green printers go through quite a bit of work to obtain their green certifications, including various audits, so truly green printers will be proud to discuss their initiatives with their customers.
Both Nevada and Las Vegas are working to diversify the state's economy by attracting more green-based businesses.
As these businesses make permanent homes in Las Vegas, there will be an increasing need for printing companies that work in accordance with green standards.
This is especially important for conventions, like the American Craft Retailers Expo, that have a large amount of attendees who are interested in going green.
Understanding green technology in the printing industry is different from other green initiatives.
But this short list of questions should make choosing a green printer a little less tiresome.
Does the printing company take its practices to heart? Does the printing company recycle? Las Vegas has been slow to jump on the recycling bandwagon, and it is not always easy for small businesses to participate in recycling programs.
Some small businesses even ask employees to take home their recycling.
So, even though this should be the first step in being a green printer, it may not be as easy as it seems and many printers tend to skip this step.
More than just throwing used paper in a bin, a responsible printer should avoid relying on one-use materials.
Proofs should be digital whenever possible and notes should be written on paper that has already been used.
Shipping materials should also be reused before they are recycled.
Is the printing company conscious of water conservation? Las Vegas green printing companies should understand that we live in a desert.
This desert is in the middle of a severe and prolonged drought.
Printers can be certain that conventions like the National Ground Water Association will want a water-smart process.
However, traditional printing processes involve transferring images to film, a process that takes a great deal of water.
The CTP, or computer to plate, process eliminates this step and produces the same quality prints.
It saves water and also limits the use of harmful chemicals.
In the event that a printing plate is damaged, the printing company should return to step 1 and recycle the plate.
Does the printing company hold any green certifications? There are several certification processes that are available for printers that are committed to being green.
Most of these certifications involve the responsible use of natural resources so that they will be available for future generations.
For example, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative helps companies make sure that they are buying wood and paper from responsible sources throughout North America.
Once a company completes the certification process, it can use the SFI label on its product branding.
This sort of branding is something consumers should look for.
Printing companies should take additional steps to ensure their customers that they are working towards a more sustainable future.
For instance, does the printer use soy-based inks? Or does the company do anything to offset its carbon emissions? Most green initiatives list participants on their web pages, so it shouldn't be too difficult to verify the claims of printers.
Above all else, green printers go through quite a bit of work to obtain their green certifications, including various audits, so truly green printers will be proud to discuss their initiatives with their customers.
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