The survey also covered the environmental aspects of print and electronic media and there were two questions that really interested me, the question was: -

Q1) Do you consider a printer's environmental credentials when placing print work?

A1) 5.8% = Not Applicable 28.3% = No 65.9% = Yes

Q2) Do you consider a supplier's environmental credentials when placing other communications work, such as online, SMS or Email?

A2) 10.8% = Not Applicable 60.9% = No 28.3% = Yes

With a lack of quality statistics, opinions have slowly filtered through into people's minds that electronic media is more environmentally friendly than traditional print methods. If companies do not consider the environmental aspects from their electronic media suppliers then why is it expected of the print suppliers and how can claims of electronic media being more environmentally friendly actually be backed up?

We believe that for an effective marketing campaign you need to use a variety of communication channels, whether it be print or electronic media. But the reason I have focused on these two questions and answers from the insert is because the print industry can be environmentally friendly and both the print and paper industries are doing a lot of work to reduce any impact that may occur by the work produced.

Therefore we believe that the electronic media industry should also be held accountable for their environmental impact and have the necessary environmental policies and accreditations in place and be able to demonstrate how they are environmentally proactive.

We've been trying to find some research to prove the environmental benefits of electronic media, so if you have or know of any please can you let us know, as our goal is to be able to offer the most environmentally communication channels for our clients campaigns.