We Care About the Environment

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. Vegetable-based inks will always be the ink of choice except under special specification.
• 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.
• Our aluminum plates used for printing are removed by a company that transports them back to smelters so they metal may be reused in other products.  
• 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.
• Our Environment Sustainability Committee meets quarterly to review policies and establish new ones for the benefit of our community and to comply with local, state and federal environmental requirements for proper waste removal.  Included is a review of suppliers' procedures to assure their compliance with those standards.  
• If you have suggestions about other ways we could further limit our environmental impact, please call us with your ideas.