Going Green

My household has made several changes this past year in our attempts to "go green". A recycling program was introduced in our community. We've taken full advantage of that and have significantly reduced our weekly garbage that heads to the landfill. We've been changing our lightbulbs to compact fluorescents as they burn out. We also try to reuse and repurpose many of the everyday items around our home. We've been collecting small shipping boxes to use for packaging our Christmas gifts (the rest go to recycling). For wrapping, we had a fun family project to reuse the brown paper filling that comes in my Stampin' Up! deliveries. I ironed the paper to make it mostly smooth, then the whole family spent time coloring Christmas wishes and pictures on the paper. It was a fun family memory and a great way for the kids to learn about environmental responsibility.

Stampin' Up! also employs several eco-conscious practices.

* Excess Rubber is shredded and donated to Courage Reins (www.couragereins.org) which then sells it for use in playgrounds and and horse stables

* Wood blocks are created from sustainable practices - trees specifically grown for harvesting

* Cardstock and Paper - the brown paper used for shipping is 100% recycled (this is the paper we used for our Christmas wrapping!) Cardstock also includes recycled materials - the darker the color, the more recycled materials it contains. Also - the manufacturers of the Designer Papers engage in environmentally friendly practices. The broker is even certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and the Program for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification (PEFC).

* Buildings - the Kanab and Riverton facilities utilize filtrations systems, geothermal wells, and timers and sensors for the lighting. Native plant materials and sprinkler systems are used to reduce the amount of water consumption.

* Carbon Footprint - UPS picks up shipments during non-peak hours and stamp shipments are carpooled with other delivery trucks from Kanab to Riverton.

Stampin' Up! is always looking for ways to improve their practices to do what's right for their demonstrators, employees, community, and the environment. It's a company you can feel good about supporting.

 

I'd love to hear how you are going green as well! Are you reusing stamp supplies for other projects? Repurposing containers for your home or office? Please share your ideas for "going green" in your lives by leaving a comment.

Comments

[anita]

What a great idea about repurposing the brown packaging paper as wrapping paper. I haven't been blessed with any children yet, but I will be sure to use this project idea once I am. What fun for kids! Thank you for the inspiration.