While working on a new project (teaser image!) I came across this huge campaign started by the World Wildlife Fund called ‘Save As WWF’ In theory- it is a bit of software that disables the ability to print a document once saved in ‘WWF’ format. In reality, it falls a bit short. I watched the video (below), downloaded the software, and after fumbling around with it I think the end result will be that the plug-in itself will do about as much good for saving trees as the “Cartoon Profile Week” campaign on facebook did for ending child abuse. (read:nothing)
“But It Helps the Environment!”
Does it really? The core message is crafted under the assumption that printing harms the environment more than viewing a file in digital form when the reality may be just the opposite. (More on that here and here.)
Was this even a problem to begin with?
Even if we were to toss the environmental debate aside, we are left with a campaign designed to save the environment by reducing other peoples printing habits. At its core, that is all this plug-in really does. It is not for you. I hope you are not downloading the software, installing the plugin, and converting all your files because you have some odd environmentally damaging printing fetish and need help. Or are there hordes of computer users printing out pictures of LOLcats, articles about narwals (NSFW language), and facts on Chuck Norris, stuffing them into little envelopes, and mailing them to friends who throw them out once they read them? No, chances are you print things when you need to, just like everyone else.
The Message
All joking aside, I will agree that the message is simple and strong. In fact, it is better to look at this campaign as a PR stunt than anything else. The icon will undoubtedly become a badge of honor across the websites of eco-bloggers and any major corporations looking to improve their image will do more for awareness (and ultimately impacting real change) than the WWF plug-in itself.
Writers (self included) will debate about the effectiveness of the plugin, ultimately shining more light and awareness on a much bigger issue. Even though the WWF’s efforts could have had a greater environmental impact by ending real waste problems (like junk mail for example: The average American household receives unsolicited junk mail equal to 1.5 trees every year) the fact of the matter is they are taking action and raising awareness in a unique way, so I commend them for that.
What do you think? Will we see the WWF format catch on? Is it just a gimmick? Will any trees actually be spared? Do you even care??? Let me know. Leave a comment below, I will print them out one by one and mail my response via snail mail. 
