CR AND THE ENVIRONMENT.(Creative Review magazine)

A year ago, we launched E-CR, a downloadable, PDF version of the magazine that contains all the content from the printed edition but uses no paper, no ink and a fraction of the energy. In terms of lessening our environmental impact, persuading readers to switch to this version of the magazine would be the most dramatic thing we could do. But a lot of you will always prefer print, so in the meantime, here are some of the changes in the way this magazine is produced that have lessened our environmental impact. To be honest, most were introduced primarily because they are quicker, cheaper or more accurate, but all have an impact on our use of resources.

* We now print the magazine computer to plate (CTP) which removes the need to produce film, saving on average around 360 A3 sheets of film per issue and eliminating harmful processes.

* Web-based proofing: only initial proofing is done using physical proofs. Later stages are proofed online using a web-based PDF system developed by our repro house, PH Media, saving paper and transport.

* Over 99 per cent of images used in the magazine are digital, including commissioned photography. In the past, every issue produced a giant envelope full of transparencies and prints. No longer.

* Using up leftovers: our marketing materials and other additional print jobs use paper held by our printers, St Ives Roche, which is left over from previous jobs. _ Our square shape uses up more of the paper sheet than conventional formats resulting in less waste. _ The white strip in the gutter of all editorial pages makes them easier to de-ink and therefore, easier to recycle.

* We use aqueous seals and varnish not UV. _ Our printer, St Ives Roche, has established an Environmental Management System to ISO14001 and is "in the process of developing and implementing site systems and procedures to ensure that the requirements of the standard will be met". It uses alcohol-free fountain solutions on the press that prints our text pages. The majority of cleaning solvents used at the site for manual cleaning and which, therefore, don't pass through the press ovens, are not classified as VOCs. All waste paper is recycled as are all printing plates. In addition, all unsold copies of CR are also recycled.

For this issue we looked at what additional changes we could make given the very short lead time involved (four weeks):