 |
 |
Featured Topics
Return to Featured Topics
|
 |
|
April 2006 - While certain symbols are widely recognized as a commitment to saving our environment, we rarely consider the greater impact that the sales of recycled products can have on our business.
Fortunately, more and more businesses today are placing a greater value on recycled goods as well as a recent trend referred to as sustainability. Sustainability is known as any development or economic growth that considers ecological and social factors as well as financial ones.
What businesses are discovering – from the largest multinational corporations to the little shop around the corner – is that sustainability and profitability work hand-in-hand. In essence, a commitment to the environment is correctly perceived as a commitment to caring.
Paper, of course, is central to sustainability for two main reasons: it’s derived from trees and we consume a lot of it. In fact one of the easiest ways any company can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability is through the wise choice and use of paper. |
|
|
 |
A Seal of Approval
Today more companies are choosing to meet high standards set by non-profit environmental guardian groups to further earn these groups’ coveted product certifications. Below are a few of the coveted distinctions.
 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – Created in 1993, the FSC was developed to change the dialogue about and the practice of responsible forestry worldwide. In 1995, the American national “chapter” of FSC was developed to manage the standards throughout the different biogeographic regions of the U.S., to provide public information about FSC and certification and to work with certification organizations to promote FSC certification in America.
To earn certification, a product made of pulp or paper must pass through a complete “chain of custody” from an FSC-certified forest to an FSC-certified paper manufacturer, merchant and printer.
 Green Seal – Founded in 1989, Green Seal strives to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats and minimized global warming and ozone depletion. Green Seal’s procedures conform to international standards for ecolabeling. |
|
|
Summing Up
In the end, sustainability is good business. With more and more environmentally aware consumers today, companies that demonstrate a legitimate concern for our environment establish a competitive advantage. This commitment not only enhances their public image but also improves their earning power. You can assist your clients to fulfill their commitment to sustainability by directing them toward paper made from recycled goods. Additionally, recycled papers are improving in quality while declining in cost. With minimal effort, you can find environmentally friendly paper that will help your consumers achieve excellent results in virtually any job.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
