Sustainable graphic design is the technique used by specially skilled designers to create images that reduce the negative impact of the finished product on the environment. The designer makes careful decisions as to the shape, color, size, and density of the designs she creates, including the choice of paper, ink, and other materials, keeping in mind the importance of using natural resources efficiently. Even the decision as to which font to use may depend, in part, on the effect this choice could have on the environment. And certainly, the fewer the emissions created by a design, the better.

Even designs intended to be used exclusively electronically can impact the environment if not crafted carefully. A committed sustainable designer will consider her use of resources in her office, as well as the likelihood of printing by the consumer; she will advise her clients as to the most carbon-neutral manner in which to use her designs. She is always on the alert to create attractive, effective designs geared to meet her clients’ goals, while reducing their cost to the environment.

Ryman Eco is an environmentally sustainable typeface launched by UK stationery retailer Ryman. It uses an average of 33% less ink than standard fonts. Designed by Monotype Type Director Dan Rhatigan, in collaboration with Grey London, the objective was to create the world’s most beautiful, sustainable font. Eco friendly design often means compromise to aesthetic desirability. Mindful of this, the ambition for Ryman Eco was to find the optimum balance between saving ink, legibility and beauty. It has been received positively by environmentalists and the design community alike.

Every year, more than 65 million printer cartridges are sold in the UK and almost 1.5 billion globally. The cartridges, whether laser or toner, are comprised of various toxic, oil-intensive, and largely non-biodegradable materials that can take over 1,000 years to break down.