Green Marketing Resources

Years ago, only the cutting edge businesses were making environmental concessions in their marketing campaigns. But as the environment and sustainability take center stage in international policy, it’ s finally becoming standard practice to make environmentally conscious decisions in marketing. More and more businesses today are concerned with the triple bottom line: people, profit and the planet. Here are a few great green marketing resources to help organizations of any size learn more about greening their mailings and other communications.

Re-nourish.com A site dedicated to helping graphic design professionals grow into a more sustainable industry. This site has a project calculator to help minimize waste during print production, a paper-finder to help source sustainable paper supplies, case studies and other resources. Sustainability.AIGA.org The AIGA’s Center for Sustainable Design is full of news and resources related to sustainability in the design field. There’s a lot of recommended reading material on the site as well as news, events and a discussion forum. DesignCanChange.org This nonprofit site asks, “Why do you only talk about graphic design?” when sustainability is a colossal topic. Design Can Change offers guidelines, resources and inspiration for becoming a more sustainable designer. DMAResponsibility.org The Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) Environmental Resource Center gives direct marketers the tools and information they need to follow green marketing best practices, including its “recycle please” logo, which you can download and place on future mail campaigns. Business.gov The U.S. Government’s green business guide covers more than just marketing and design. It contains information about greening small and large businesses alike. The site includes resources on energy efficiency, green certifications and applying for grants and loans to enact environmental practices. USPS.com On the US Postal Service’s website, Greener Choices, you can learn more about US Postal Service's sustainability initiatives such as hydrogen vehicles and cell-phone and ink cartridge recycling. There is also a related Green Direct Marketing Campaigns page with tips and ideas for greener mail marketing.