So what does 'being green' actually mean for our business?
THE PAPER
Paper manufacturers have spent the last 10 years taking all the nasty bits out of recycled paper and honing the quality so it is as good as any made from virgin fibre. So much so that we now have to print 'Printed on 100% recycled paper' otherwise you'd never know!
Our first choice is always made from 100% post consumer waste although when necessary we use 80% recycled material and 20% from TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) virgin fibre from well managed FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) forests.
RHINO POO!!
As well as this we have a vast range of paper suppliers producing paper from anything from beer dregs to recycled stamps to Rhino Poo . . . YES even Rhino Poo!!! Unlike many digital printers who are bound by contract to run only standard papers we love to experiment from the exotic to the sublime!!! Please contact us for our FULL range of exotic papers, we guarantee you'll be amazed!!!
THE PRINTER
The all-important energy efficient printer is provided by OKI Printing Solutions, who operate a parts and 'consumables returns' programme. This means they take back used toner cartridges, image drums and fusers and clean and recycle them, resulting in minimal waste to landfills and maximum re-use of materials. They even take back and recycle the machine itself when it reaches the end of it's life.
The inks are derived from organic rather than chemical polymers, although we are not allowed to claim they are actually organic. We are constantly mointoring the availability of greener inks and as soon as they're available, rest assured - we'll have them.
Each of the main OKI manufacturing sites has obtained ISO14001, the international standard for environmental management, and the company does its utmost to offer products that are environmentally friendly - products that save energy, minimise the use of materials and are easily recyclable.
Oki's ecology objectives are:
- To evaluate the effect that our working practices have upon the environment: from engineering design through to product disposal, aiming to only offer products which are ecologically sound
- To promote the recycling of components used in all of our main printer/fax products
- To endeavour to save resources, save energy and reduce industrial wastes, through the development and improvement of environmental technology, both internally and externally
- In addition to meeting the environmental regulations issued by administrative authorities, (such as central and local government), to voluntarily establish our own programme of ecological improvement
- To implement environmental activities according to the guidelines of the 'PDCA' (Plan, Do, Check, Act) Quality Control System
- To provide internal education on ecological issues, to help our employees to understand basic environmental concepts and be more ecologically aware.
- To publish our `Ecological Objectives' externally as well as internally.
THE POWER
Our electricity comes inclusive as part of our rent so we began by paying the carbon offset. Having now researched further it seems the whole carbon offset industry is fraught with problems to the point that even schemes recommended by the Government are worthless in both financial and environmental terms. So, after seeking advice from Greenpeace we have approached our landlords at Fisherton Mill who have agreed to switch the whole Electricity supply over to a 100% renewable energy supplier once their fixed term contract has expired.
THE TELEPHONES
Our telecoms are provided by Dial Green based in Devon, a truly Green supplier. They have recently installed a Wind Turbine which together together with PV Panels, Solar Panels, a Bio Mass boiler and Water Turbine, means they will shortly be generating even more energy than they require. And that's not all!! Plumbing was recently carried out for a Rain Water Harvseting Project as well as further improvements to their on-site Recycling Center.
THE MONEY
The Co-operative Bank, refuse to invest in any business whose core activity contributes to climate change, the unsustainable harvest of natural resources or the manufacture of chemicals that pose a health threat or pollute the environment. They also support companies eco-friendly companies like ours. We've put our money in responsible hands.
THE SHOP
All the wood used in our recent refurbishment came from locally-managed woodlands or was approved by the FSC (the Forest Stewardship Council), meaning that it's recycled and comes from well-managed forests and controlled sources.
THE STAFF
Free from all artificial colours and preservatives, we're very happy to answer all your questions about exactly what Eco Print can offer you. Just give us a call on 01722 340 350 or pop in to the shop in Fisherton Mill Courtyard, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury SP2 7QY.
