Paper, Publishing, Printing

Paper, Printing, Publishing | Credit: Mail, Print, Marketing

Includes magazines; books; posters; printers; paper makers and brokers; publishing; printing.

Company

Required:

  • Business core purpose includes a “green” business function.
  • Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on website.

Preferred:

  • Banking with a community development, minority, or socially & environmentally responsible bank or credit union.
  • Protocols in place (e.g., trainings, HR policies, support group(s), statement of commitment, accountability mechanisms, etc.) that advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) within the company.

Materials

Required:

  • Products composed of at least 30% pre- or post-consumer recycled fiber.

  • All virgin fiber is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified (Note that Green America does not view the Scientific Forestry Initiative as a valid certification for products or processes).

  • Use of at least 80% vegetable- or water-based inks.

  • Exclusive use of paper with low-VOC coatings, and water-miscible, low-VOC solvents.

  • No chlorine or chlorine compounds used in bleaching process.

  • Responsible environmental management/procurement policy or practices for all waste materials and manufacturing and printing processes.

Preferred:

  • Products composed of 80-100% pre- or post-consumer recycled fiber.

  • Use of 100% vegetable- or water-based inks.

  • Exclusive use of uncoated paper or paper with zero-VOC coatings.

 

Company Employment

Required:

  • Employees have access to family friendly benefits including high-quality health insurance, sick days, paid parental leave and childcare help.
  • Offer a flexible workplace culture that encourages work/life balance and makes reasonable accommodations for telecommuting and flex schedules.
  • Pays a wage that ensures employees well-being.
  • Has an established non-discrimination policy and procedure, and ensures an inclusive workplace culture.
  • Governs fairly and in a transparent manner. Is open to employee input. Has a whistle blower protection policy in place.

Preferred:

  • Living wage is paid.
  • Has an established program that invests in employee growth and development.

Education

Required:

  • Use transparent and truthful marketing.
  • Advocate for green business practices in the paper, publishing, and printing industries.
  • Established program for receiving input from both internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred:

  • Actively seeks feedback from industry peers and participates in industry associations and mentor programs.

Green Office/Facility

Required:

  • HVAC system well-maintained, building well-insulated, and smart and efficient climate control employed.
  • System in place for reducing electricity consumption from lighting and electronics.
  • Use of Energy Star rated appliances and CFL/LED light bulbs in office.
  • Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials.
  • Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double sided printing as the default, and more.
  • Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products.
  • Maximum amount of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges.
  • Action on clean energy such as purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or use of on-site clean energy.
  • Compost all food waste.
  • Landscaping done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.
  • Only fair trade and USDA certified organic coffee and tea served in the office.
  • Use of green or local caterers for events.
  • Use of a certified E-Steward for electronics recycling.
  • Proper disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, motor oil, etc).
  • Knowledge of recycling/composting guidelines at your local recycling/composting facility.