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We thought it might be useful to explain some of the terms we've used on the site, and some of the others that crop up when you start reading about the environment and our impact on it. We hope you find it useful.
BS8555
A British Standard which is awarded to businesses that have reached a recognised level of environmental management. To receive this accreditation a business is assessed by independent auditors to confirm they meet the criteria. It is more relevant to smaller businesses than ISO14001.
Carbon Neutral
The point at which the amount of CO2 produced by a process or activity is equal to the amount being removed. Carbon neutral status is usually achieved by Offsetting.
Climate Change
The variation in the Earth’s global temperature. In environmental terms it is used to describe the impact of human activity on the Earth’s temperature.
De-inking
The removal of printing ink from pulped waste paper (by flotation or washing), prior to recycling.
Digital Printing
A printing process that uses digital technology to print in full colour, avoiding the use for ‘plates’ which are needed in Litho printing. This makes it a quicker printing method, with less waste, ideally suited to smaller quantities. All four colours (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are printed at the same time.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
An international, non-governmental organisation that promotes the sustainable management of forests around the world. The FSC logo on a product is a guarantee that the wood or paper has come from a forest that meets strict environmental, social and economic standards. See www.fsc.org
Global Warming
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. This rise in temperature is attributed to an increase in greenhouse gases, causing the Greenhouse Effect.
Greenwash
A token environmentally friendly gesture by a business or organisation to project a ‘green’ image that doesn’t exist. Lying, basically.
Greenhouse Effect
The trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by Greenhouse Gases. Greenhouse gases are essential to life on Earth, the heat from the Sun that they trap makes the planet habitable. But humans are generating too much Greenhouse gas, trapping too much heat, causing the Greenhouse Effect. This increases Global warming.
Greenhouse Gas
These are gases in the Earth’s atmosphere which trap the Sun’s heat. They are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. They are essential to life on earth, giving the planet an average temperature of 15ºC. Without them it would be –20ºC. The problem is that human activity is producing Greenhouse gases in excessive quantities, trapping too much heat, causing Global warming.
Heavy Metals
Traditionally found in the colourings used in printing inks. They can contaminate soil and water. They are not found in Vegetable-based inks.
ISO14001
A international standard which is awarded to businesses that have reached a recognised level of environmental management. To receive this accreditation a business is assessed by independent auditors to confirm they meet the criteria.
Litho (Lithographic) Printing
This is the most common form of high volume commercial printing. It involves paper passing through a press, where ink is transferred onto it from plates, via rubber rollers. It is commonly used to print magazines, books, newspapers, brochures, stationery, posters etc.
Offsetting (or Carbon Offsetting)
The act of mitigating ("offsetting") greenhouse gas emissions, to achieve carbon neutrality. This is often done by planting trees, but there are other options. To find out more visit www.carbonreinvest.com or www.carbonneutral.com.
Post-Consumer Waste
Paper that has been used for its intended purpose (magazines, newspapers etc.) then returned by the user (consumer) for recycling.
Precycle
The practice of considering the amount of packaging on a product before purchasing and choosing those with the least. It's all about thinking ahead.
Recycled Pulp
Pulp made from waste paper or cardboard that has been recycled, and is then used to make paper. The fibres in the paper deteriorate with recycling, so paper can only be recycled around eight times.
Solvents
These are liquids which can dissolve other substances and there are several which are integral to traditionally, solvent-based litho printing. They are harmful to the atmosphere and release Volatile Organic Compounds. They also damage aquatic life and the health of printers. Using Vegetable-based inks reduces the need for them.
Stern Review
A review of the economic impacts of climate change, which was commissioned by the UK government and released in October 2006. You can download an executive summary here. Since the review was published new data on the rate of climate change suggests that the Stern Review under-estimated the impact and the level of action that will be required to avoid the worst effects.
Sustainable Design
Design which meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It can relate to any discipline: graphic, product, furniture, interior etc. It means thinking about what materials you use, what method of production you use and what happens to the 'product' when it's finished with.
Sustainable Source
Often used to describe the origin of paper-based products. At its most basic a sustainable source is one where trees are replaced as they are cut down. However, a truly sustainable source is one that provides a renewable, economic supply of timber and sustains the native wildlife of that forest. That's why it's important to use paper from a source that has FSC certification.
Vegetable-based inks
These use vegetable oil, rather than mineral oil (which releases VOCs), significantly reducing their environmental impact. These vegetable oils include soy bean, corn and linseed.
Virgin Fibre
This is wood pulp that is being used for the first time in the paper making process.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compunds)
These are gases which contain carbon and are released from solvents during printing. They can pollute the atmosphere, and as liquids can contaminate soil and water. Can also damage the health of printers.