Rizco's organic cotton tote bag.
Photo: BizBash
As we've reported before, the growing market for environmentally conscious businesses proves that going green is more than a trend. But for many businesses, simply offering an eco-friendly product or service isn’t enough. Since 2000, Rizco Design and Communications, a graphic design firm based in Manasquan, New Jersey, has developed marketing strategies and printed materials such as business cards and letterheads for large and small companies. Although the firm still provides the same services, it now offers clients the additional benefit of going green thanks to its BeLeaf program, a three-tiered plan to make the company as easy on the environment as possible.
“Paper and printing decisions have a major impact on the environment,” says Debra Rizzi, a Rizco partner. “Our learnings helped us to review the company’s environmental footprint, which was not favorable. We wanted to develop a program versus just making a statement.” The plan calls for changes throughout the entire creative process, from conceptualization (using PDFs instead of printed proofs to cut back on paper) to the end product (minimizing metallic ink, using printers powered by green energy and paper that comes from eco-friendly mills).The plan also includes changes on the day-to-day operational level, such as converting the office to wind-powered electricity, using green cleaning products, and lots of recycling. Each project that is produced will be evaluated by the BeLeaf report card, with a goal of 70 percent sustainability, so clients who want to add a green aspect to their event or business can actually see the difference.
“Paper and printing decisions have a major impact on the environment,” says Debra Rizzi, a Rizco partner. “Our learnings helped us to review the company’s environmental footprint, which was not favorable. We wanted to develop a program versus just making a statement.” The plan calls for changes throughout the entire creative process, from conceptualization (using PDFs instead of printed proofs to cut back on paper) to the end product (minimizing metallic ink, using printers powered by green energy and paper that comes from eco-friendly mills).The plan also includes changes on the day-to-day operational level, such as converting the office to wind-powered electricity, using green cleaning products, and lots of recycling. Each project that is produced will be evaluated by the BeLeaf report card, with a goal of 70 percent sustainability, so clients who want to add a green aspect to their event or business can actually see the difference.
