The road to a working Environmental Policy

Internal Office Enviro Culture In 2003, we formed an Environmental Task Force with the goal of examining Chronicle Books' environmental impact and developing new and creative ways to maximize our stewardship of the resources used. Early achievements included the following: Printing letters and reports on both sides of the paper and setting the default switch on photocopiers to double-sided. Using instead of paper memos and reducing the number of messages we printed out. Eliminating printer and fax cover sheets. Buying copier paper with at least 30% post-consumer recycled content. WE then moved onto looking at our actual publishing, and paper procurement

When we started, we had very few answers, and working in Asia meant that knowledge was scarce. The USA has focused on using recycled papers, but this option was simply not available in Asia unless we supplied the recycled papers ourselves. It also made us look at our business practices; if we wish to succeed, we need to be more structured in our buying procedures. Creating a methodology and a policy that is easy-to- use is key to our ongoing success. Education

Chronicle Plan (not quite the 12-step program), but not far off… CONTROL TRIM SIZES Much of our stationery line has controlled specifications, however our book trims have gotten out of control. We plan to reduce our number of trims from 289 to 17. COORDINATE WITH SUPPLIERS - paper stock mixes - availability MATERIALS USAGE We have committed ourselves to using certified and/or recycled pulp. We will analyze the data using the Egmont Paper Rating System.

What has been achieved? Our understanding of the obstacles and knowledge of issues involved have grown tremendously. We have a better sense of how to systemize our situation to help us reach success. We have some knowledge of papers that are available in Asia that we can build on. Beginning to build database of papers using Generic Naming, including % of pulp. Limit the paper choices for domestic purchasing to incorporate % recycled content. 20% of our Gift & Stationery list is on 30% PCW paper. Look to achieve 30% of Childrens 2008 List on FSC pulp paper.

3 Year Plan Complete and maintain database of pulp content, aim to grade 50% of all papers used in 2008 Look to purchasing paper directly Move policy out of Production and into Marketing Work towards having 50% of Stationery, 30% of Adult, and 30% of Kids titles on either FSC pulp papers, or %PCW papers by year 2009, with the view of moving to Recycled content.

4 years on INTERNALLY we do the following: SCRAP (Scroungers' Center for Re-usable Art Parts) to be bins placed on 2 of 3 floors. This allows us to recycle proofs, running sheets, and other materials that might be used for school art projects. Switch from Office Depot to Give Something Backwhose lower rates make recycled copier paper affordable. All copier paper purchased is now 100% post consumer content (Boise Aspen 100). Collect and re-cycle through Green Citizen ( any larger electronic gadgets, and office equipment. Any new printers purchased will have built-in duplex printing capabilities Work with a local envelope maker who takes our flat proofs and running sheets for text and cover stock and re-makes them into A4 envelopes and file folders for our INTERNAL USE ONLY. Recycle, through Green Disk ( all of our old disks, and CDs, plastics – Techno Trash Bins are located on all floors. (Green Disk takes the materials and recycles them to make CD cases and other plastics).

Finally, our new building has: Carpeting from recycled materials (and it looks very nice !!) Meeting room furniture (chairs) which are made with recycled fabric materials. Solar power panels mounted on the roof that will supply some of our local grid electricity for which we will be credited.

Points to Consider Make environmental responsibility a priority Form a team. Appoint a lead. Work with partner organizations / NGO's Develop a paper/environmental policy with goals and benchmarks Communicate your commitment to supply-chain partners Take real steps forward and track your progress Commitment, focus, and more commitment