Good morning from the lovely city of Chicago where the traffic helicopters are hovering and the smog is pink in the sunrise. This morning's hotel room "amenities" included a plastic coated coffee cup, a single-serving coffee "bag" in a disposable drip tray (the "coffee maker" doesn't even have a reusable basket), and the sugar packets, plastic stir stick, and "coffee whitener" were all sealed in a little plastic bag. I have a little pile of non-recyclable trash next to me... Now if that doesn't inspire us all to find a new way, nothing will! Today's schedule includes conversations with paper companies, ink companies, and printers, to discuss how they are implementing new processes and products to change the way they do business and become more sustainable. I'll be sitting in on a session called "What Designers Need to Know About Sustainability" this afternoon. Looks interesting! This morning Heidelberg released its Sustainability Report 2008/2009 saying:

Environmental protection and sustainability are two of the greatest challenges of our time. Printshops and their customers are increasingly adopting a green approach and expecting the same from those they work with. Heidelberger  has just published its Sustainability Report 2008/2009, which proves that it is possible to print green and still be cost-effective (editor's emphasis).

Included in the report are 12 steps you can take to be "eco logical"

• The right paper
• The right inks
• The right washup agent
• Print without alcohol
• Give customer advice
• Energy management
• Accident and fire prevention
• Staff participation
• Effective communication
• Get help
• Paying for it all
• Getting started

Watch for updates and interviews. It looks to be a great show!