Green Basics

Sustainable Actions and products that meet current needs without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Sustainability is a broad term and often refers to the desire to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future.

Going Green A phrase referring to individual action that a person can consciously take to curb harmful effects on the environment through consumer habits, behavior and lifestyle.

Carbon Neutral A practice of carbon offsetting, by paying others to remove 100% of the carbon dioxide emitted from the atmosphere. Examples include planting trees, or buying carbon credits to remove them through carbon trading.

Carbon Footprint The total amount of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service.

Recyclable A product or material that can be converted back into material to be used again in manufacturing new goods. Typically, recyclable materials (aluminum, steel, paper, etc.) must remain in their pure form.

Renewable Energy Energy harvested from sources that are not depleted when used, typically causing very low environmental impact. Examples include solar energy, hydroelectric power and wind power.

Pre-Consumer Waste Material collected mainly from paper manufacturers, printers and converters. It has never been used by a consumer and is often derived from the trimmings that occur after manufacturing.

Post-Consumer Waste (PCW) Material collected mainly from municipal and office recycling programs. It is considered the most environmentally efficient, since it has had at least one useful life cycle. Papers with the highest post-consumer waste content are the most eco-friendly.

Totally Recycled Fiber (TRF) Material that contains 100% recycled material and may contain pre- and post-consumer content.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) An international non-profit agency that certifies sustainable forestry practices. The FSC chain-of-custody logo ensures that the materials used to produce the product or printed piece were sourced responsibly. Every entity that touches the product — from the logger to the printer — must be FSC certified

Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) Guidelines developed by the American Forest and Pulp Association to promote responsible forest management practices. Promotes the balance of the demand for wood products with the need for forest sustainability.

Green Seal Certified An independent, non-profit organization whose goal is to promote sustainability by identifying and promoting environmentally preferable products and services. Criteria for certification include that papers contain at least 30% PCW or be manufactured without chlorine or chlorine derivatives.