PrintingforLess.com
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With its massive use of chemicals and waste, the printing industry has a huge environmental footprint. And while many of us are working toward a paperless office, we all know that it's easier said than done. Cleaner, greener printing is good step forward, but it means more than just using recycled paper. It's also about the long-term sustainability of forests, internal processing, and daily work ethic. Andrew Field, founder and CEO of PrintingForLess.com in Livingston, Mont., has worked to create an online printing company that not only strives to run its processes as cleanly as possible everyday, but is also recognized by the FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council, for adhering to strict forest-management practices, wood harvesting, ownership rights, and responsible wildlife habitat preservation, and earns bonus points for maintaining quality relationships with the local community and employees.
How did you get into this line of work?
I can trace that all the way back to high school: In my junior year, I had to take biology for my science credit. After my first class was finished I went straight to my guidance counselor and told her that if I have to listen to that man for the rest of the year, I was going to become another suicide statistic! She suggested Graphic Arts. I said, "Sign me up!"
What was your "a-ha" moment?
I grew up in California, so the idea of recycling and leaving a light footprint has been a part of who I am for a long time. When I started my second company, American Automotive Supply, I created an anti-freeze recycling system that was very successful.
Who is your green hero?
Avery Lovins. He has been promoting the idea of market-based solutions for alternative energy rather than tax subsidies since the 1970s. I like his practical approaches.
What is your ultimate green goal?
The U.S. has some of the cleanest air, soil, and water in the world. I would like to see us continue to improve our ability to make them cleaner then spread that technology around the world.
What is your motivation?
I've helped to create a great place to work in a great place to live here in Montana, and I want to do what I can to preserve that for our employees, our families, and our future generations.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Managing growth. It's a challenge we face in all areas of human activity—in business and communities and in our impacts on the planet.
What is the most rewarding?
Watching people grow and develop in their positions here at PrintingForLess.com, and hearing our customers say frequently that we've made a real, positive difference in their businesses.
What green thing do you do everyday?
Our building is just off the interstate, and the wind can carry a lot of trash that lands around our building. During my daily walk, I make a point of picking up litter, especially in the wetlands we're preserving on our property. I also deal with a lot of mail and aside from recycling the paper, I've become a little obsessed about saving the paper clips that attach it all. I haven't had to personally buy paper clips for something like 20 years!
What do you wish you could do?
Livingston is known for two things: the fly-fishing and the wind. I wish I could harness the strong winds that blow through here. Unfortunately, I think it is too strong and too erratic for wind turbines, but if there's something new out there that could do it, I'd love to hear about!
What is your biggest eco-sin?
I often fly on airplanes, but at least it's commercial. It's like carpooling.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
That the poor of the world didn't have to worry about where their next meal was coming from and that they could have the luxury of being as concerned about the environment as those of us who have more choices.
What is your best green advice?
I'm a big believer in minimizing your intake of processed foods. They are not good for your body or the environment. In addition, get educated; challenge norms and generally accepted practices in order to become a better steward and develop better solutions. It's rarely a simple equation.
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure who are creating a more sustainable world through their work. Meet more Change Makers here.
More on greener printing:
Green Your Printing: Print with Recycled Paper
Print Less, Work Better
3 Eco-Friendly Ways to Print a Manuscript
Green(er) Printing with Big Ink
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