envirogreen140326

HOW WE’RE WORKING TO BE GREEN.

Through the years, we have been a leader in managing our business in a way that impacts the environment in a friendly, positive, and thoughtful manner. Long before others were paying attention to environmental issues, we implemented the following Environmental Vision and Management Policy:

  • Virtually 100% of our paper purchases are from paper companies that harvest trees from decades-old tree farms specifically planted, harvested, and replanted to provide an ongoing source of non-public paper pulp. These tree farms not only ensure a sustainable, ongoing paper supply but also assure the land they use will remain undeveloped commercially.
  • We recycle tons and tons of paper every month. Frankly, it is a lot of work and effort, with a buy-back revenue stream that covers only a small fraction of the cost. That’s OK, though, because we believe it to be a very valuable effort.
  • We use recycled papers whenever possible and encourage others to do the same.
  • We use biodegradable inks and toners that are recyclable.
  • We use chemicals and solvents that are almost 100% water soluble, biodegradable, and recyclable. They are often more expensive, but we consider these products to be a wise investment.
  • We have implemented programs to reduce our electrical consumption and to minimize the use of all raw materials.
  • A very important way we urge our customers to partner with us in our environmental efforts is by using our digital/Internet ordering, proofing, and reordering system. Use of our digital ordering system enables all of us to save substantial amounts of gasoline and other raw materials.
  • If you have suggestions about other ways we could further limit our environmental impact, please call us with your ideas.

PRINT GROWS TREES

Print on paper gives landowners a reason to grow trees. More than half of all U.S. forestland is owned privately. Private landowners decide the fate of these forests. Many require an income from their land, and when a working forest cannot make money, the land is often put to another use. Research shows that 55 million acres of private U.S. forests will be sold or transferred in the next five years. With no financial incentive to grow trees, will these forests be converted permanently to other uses?