Cover Feature | Environment

Eco-Conscious Creativity: Strategies for Sustainable Graphic Design

With the worldwide environmental crisis we’re facing in 2025, DayOne recognises sustainability is not optional. Graphic designers can support this mission by adopting some of these eco-friendly strategies that reduce environmental impact without compromising creativity.

Sustainable Materials/Print Practices

Traditional printing methods have historically contributed to deforestation and pollution. To mitigate these effects, selecting recycled or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper is essential. Also, by embracing digital printing technologies we can make significant water savings.

Reducing Digital Carbon Footprint

Digital Media carries its own carbon footprint. Designers can contribute to energy efficiency by optimising images, implementing energyefficient coding practices and selecting green web hosting services that utilise renewable energy sources.

Designing for Longevity vs. Fast Consumption

Creating timeless, modular designs reduces waste and fosters consistent branding by designing for longevity rather than short-term campaigns.

The Power of Visual Communication in Sustainability

By creating clear, compelling visuals, designers can effectively communicate complex environmental issues, fostering greater public awareness and engagement. However, it’s imperative to ensure that the claims are not greenwashing but reflect genuine sustainability efforts.

Collaboration and Industry Accountability

Engaging with sustainable design certifications and supporting carbon offset programs are tangible steps toward this goal. Moreover, partnering with suppliers and printers who adhere to ecofriendly practices ensures that sustainability is integrated throughout the supply chain, for example DayOne contributes to the high-integrity initiatives run by Ecologi.

Small Changes, Big Impact

By thoughtfully integrating these practices, businesses and designers can contribute to a more sustainable future. If these are changes, you’re interested in making within your design, then let’s chat!

For further information please visit: dayonedesign.co.uk

EchelonVias: Sustainable Content Production

Shockingly, 84% of ad spend is wasted on unsuccessful campaigns that miss the mark, while businesses waste up to 20% of their budget due to lack of strategic planning and 70% of ad spend returns less than £2 per £1 spent. For Kent’s SMEs and growing firms around the UK, that’s revenue lost.

We’re here to change that, and 2025 is the year when EchelonVias brings sustainable, impactful content production to a business near you. Founded with a passion to tackle the industry’s toughest challenges: waste, poor strategy, and unmeasured returns. We know that meaningful and efficient strategic crafted marketing content which drives measurable ROI can be achieved for the good of business and the planet. By driving down waste, we drive down costs. Sustainability defines us and we are pursuing ISO 14001 in Sustainable Compliance offering a unique service of measuring and managing carbon footprints for every project. This ensures ecofriendly campaigns that align with EU directives, slashing the £5 billion annual ad waste burden. Our upcoming CredAd platform amplifies this by using blockchain innovations like those from industry leaders to track budgets, offset carbon and provide transparency.

Whether you’re a startup needing a crafted, green online presence or a brand craving sustainable growth, we are your partner across digital and print channels. Businesses deserve advertising that’s ethical and engaging. EchelonVias delivers both.

Visit echelonvias.com to learn how our carbon-neutral solutions and footprint tracking service can transform your next campaign.

Lemon Labels is a family-owned business operating in Ashford, Kent for nearly two decades, we have developed a deep understanding of how the small choices we make every day can have a significant impact on the environment.

As part of our drive to be a responsible label maker, in 2021 we moved our production facility into a new A+ energy-rated facility to reduce energy waste, we followed up by installing solar panels and providing electric vehicles for our sales team, we have installed non-hazardous ink cleaning stations, we utilise carbon neutral delivery services and have been using as much recyclable packaging as possible for many years.

From our sourcing of eco-friendly materials to our dedication to reducing waste and energy consumption, we ensure that our processes align with our values. By continually researching and adopting the best environmental labelling practices, we are not only helping businesses promote their sustainability efforts but also leading by example. Our team works tirelessly to provide innovative, high-quality labelling solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether it’s a small batch of eco-friendly labels or large-scale labelling requirement, we ensure that our products meet the highest standards.

As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on our personal commitment to quality, integrity, and the environment. Over the past 20 years, we have built lasting relationships with clients who trust us for reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable labelling solutions. We work closely with every client to create custom solutions that not only meet industry standards but also reflect their unique brand values and environmental goals.

In June 2024, we partnered with Ecologi, a UK-based climate action platform who enable businesses to fund high-impact, high-integrity climate solutions, including reforestation, carbon removal, and habitat restoration projects. Since its inception, Ecologi has facilitated the planting of over 80 million trees worldwide, and Lemon Labels is proud to contribute to this effort by funding over 1,800 trees since June 2024. With every order placed with us, Ecologi plant another tree, helping our efforts to restore our planet.