The Environment

Through the years, we have played a part 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:

• Most 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.
  
• We recycle most of paper waste. Frankly, it is a lot of work and effort,that's OK, we believe it to be a very valuable effort.
  
• We use at least 30% post consumer waste recycled papers and encourage others to do the same. Papers with up to 100% PC are also available upon request.
  
• We use soy based inks.
  
• We use chemicals and solvents that are almost 100% water soluble, bio-degradable, 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 usage of all raw materials. A lot of times you will see our A-1 products packaged in used boxes; there is a reason for it. This is to minimize waste.
  
• A very important way that we urge our customers to partner with us in our environment 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 how we could further our environmental impact, please call us with your ideas.