Typically it is expressed as being "Health, wealth and happiness." This statement may be attributed to James Allen the British philosophical writer from the quotation; "A man is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, healthy, and prosperous being; and happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of a harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer of the man with his surroundings." But what does this mean to the everyday person and particularly the printer?

Those who read my energy blog earlier this year will not be surprised that the EU Commission now does not believe that the EU will meet its energy reduction target of 20% by 2020. In fact the latest projection (see below) would indicate only a 9% reduction.

The title is a quote from Thomas Edison (1847 – 1931), the American inventor. To complete the quotation; "The time is coming when every person who lays claim to ability will keep the question of waste before him constantly. The scope of thrift is limitless."

Is the environment important? Do you care? Perhaps not! Forty years ago only Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, World Wildlife Fund and a few tree-huggers were interested. If you are concerned what changed your mind? Was it the reports of global warming or climate change? Was it the potential marketing opportunities, financial benefits or concern about the legacy that you would be leaving your children or grandchildren? These are all valid reasons. My reason was based on a more scientific bias. Although not the blinding light on the road to Damascus nevertheless it was significantly serious to warrant a radical re-think.

The English are notorious for always talking about the weather. Whenever it is rains, it is too heavy and will run off the surface. Or, why cannot it rain at night? Following a few sunny days the question raised is: "When will it rain otherwise there will be a hose-pipe ban?" This year is no exception. The difference is, like many European countries, there has been a serious lack of rain for an extended period. From February to May this year the rainfall has been 40 to 80% of the long-term average from 1951 -2000 across Europe. In some areas in France, Germany and South East England it has been below 40%.

If you manufacture or import and sell goods within the European Economic Area (EEA) you need to be aware that these goods could be subject to further controls. For those who are unaware the EEA includes all the 27 European Union countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Why do you need to know?

Because it is an internationally acceptable means of demonstrating your company's environmental credentials. It will illustrate how your company is tackling sustainability. It is a critical issue in the process towards meeting the criteria for Eco-labelling. Readers of my earlier blogs will recognise the importance of these factors both from a legal and marketing perspective in an economic climate that requires a company to portray an image that meets today's changing environment. Because it will enhance your market reputation; meet increasing supply chain tender needs; achieve positive public relations and create marketing opportunities and engage with your customers and other stakeholders such as banks.

An alternative view of health and safety

Getting health and safety seriously wrong will lead probably to a fine and in some cases imprisonment. Over the last few years there have been a number of deaths in the printing industry as a direct result of poor safety standards. For a moment just try and imagine the thoughts of the manager and/or supervisor in the print company following those deaths. Then think how you will explain the situation to the bereaved family? With these thoughts in your mind picture one of your staff who has endeavoured to remove a piece of work that has become snagged at the back of a large hand-fed platen press during the machine’s dwell mode. Unfortunately the press closed before the operator was clear of the machine. This is not a fictional situation; it has happened five times over a four year period. Now put yourself in the position of the company’s first aider who is summoned to this incident. What would be the long-term effect resulting from a family member of the operator who has to identify his or her relative at the morgue?

Why should sustainability and zero waste be of any interest to the printer? Aside from any altruistic values promulgated by printers towards other members of mankind, there is an increase in the number of such demands made by many corporate and public bodies to meet these goals. It is therefore important to determine what is the difference between sustainability and zero waste?

Why are they needed, how can they be achieved and what benefit will arise for the printer?

Europe's companies need a secure supply of energy at affordable prices in order to maintain a competitive edge. At the same time, the negative effects of energy use, particularly fossil fuels, on the environment must be reduced. That is why EU policy needs to create a competitive internal energy market by developing renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on imported fuels with a lower consumption of energy.