Now in its third edition, this is a how-to for creating more sustainable print materials. The guide presents information from choosing paper to recycling the finished piece including paper types, paper contents, chemical labeling, sizing to reduce paper waste, inks and coatings, finishing techniques, binding, printing processes, and the use of environmental logos. Includes a full chapter dedicated to eco marketing, eco claims, and greenwashing, as well as new information on inks and finishing.

This primer on ecological and sustainable design is a must-have for practicing and beginning designers. The book features an environmental assessment of 240 materials and processes, called "the Okala impact factors," as well as discussions on environmental ethics, bio-mimicry, and design to stop climate change. Download select pages of the guide here. A complete copy can be ordered at a cost of $19 from the publisher's website.

As part of its recent sustainability push, the retail behemoth has set a goal to reduce packaging used by suppliers by 5% by 2013 and this is how. The scorecard, currently in a beta version, lets manufacturers rank their current use of packaging. How does yours stack up? Read more...