Researching paper stocks

 Recycled paper - GF Smith 'Extract'

In order to allow my design to align with the sustainable values of adapt and climate change activism in general, I needed my final outcome to be printed with zero waste. In my research into recycled paper, I found the 'extract' collection from G.F. Smith that uses recycled coffee cups. This would significantly lower the carbon footprint of my design, as well as providing a sturdier paper that would work well with a ring bound binding method. This is important as previously when I tried ring binding, the paper ripped as it was too flimsy. As well as this, using these papers would be a nice way in adding a different texture and colour to the book; I could print black ink on coloured paper to make the design more playful? I think in order to see if this would work, I need to make a mockup using these colours.

Seeded paper

Part of the concept behind my book in order to improve its' sustainability is that it can't be a single use design. Due to this, I want to print my context tip-ins on seeded paper, as it means that once the audience has absorbed the knowledge in the book, they can keep the visual imagery in the book and plant the seeds from the tip-ins. I was thinking that in order to make this clearer the the audience, I could include a plant pot with the book - for example, the book could be wrapped in a plant pot cover that they build themselves?

Seeded paper would also make the audience engagement more interesting, as by planting the seeds they can contribute to building ecosystems and helping the planet - which in a sense is a result of activism. As well as this, the act of planting a seed metaphorically relates to the goal of my book; the book uses stickers in the context of activism to plant the seed of conversation and change peoples mindsets through non violent activism.