Protecting Maine’s natural heritage means not only embracing core values of environmental stewardship, but practicing them in both our home and work life. We’re pleased to share some of our organization’s practices in environmental responsibility:
Office Supplies
The average office worker uses about 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year or about 4 million tons of copy paper annually. That’s a lot of paper! Although paper is one of the top recyclables in the US, about 40% of paper still ends up in landfills. Our office is helping to change that number by using 100% post-consumer, fiber diverted from landfill (FDL), FSC-certified recycled paper. It may cost a little more, but every ton of paper that is recycled saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.
Most of our office supplies are from green or minority-owned businesses – even our trash can liners are composed of recycled plastics. All of our copy and print toner is recycled directly by the manufacturer.
Our water is supplied from Carrabassett Spring Water – a family owned Maine business that donates 5% of its pre-tax profits to charities in Maine. The water is transported in reusable, BPA-free recycled plastic containers.
All of our publications are printed on recycled paper. Our Investing in Maine’s Environment: A Trail Map to Prosperity 2010-2015 is printed on 100% post-consumer fiber on FSC-certified paper. We have made every effort to reduce excess printings and have made all of our publications online.
We believe that workers should have a stronger voice and receive a fair share of the economic growth they create: almost all of our print publications and stationary are from the only two union shops in Maine – Dale Rand and Atkins Printing. We have used them for years and we recommend that you do too for your next print job!
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
With increasing carbon emissions and gas prices, our staff is making every effort to reduce our footprint. We carpool to our events and some of our staff members will bike or walk to work or use public transportation. Our sister organization, Maine Conservation Voters, holds an annual Evening for the Environment event features local food, local (tap) water and purchases credits to offset its carbon footprint.
As the united voice for Maine’s environment, we aim to practice what we preach. We’re always looking for ideas or ways we can improve, so if you have a suggestion, send us an email at anne (at) protectmaine.org or share your story with us.
MCA does not endorse any statements made in the blogs. These blogs constitute the sole opinion of individuals in their personal capacity and may not represent official positions of MCA.