Fotoprint and the Environment
Even though the subject of personal, corporate and governmental environmental responsibility is topical, we have been on this bandwagon for over 20 years. We have dug our way out of a traditionally destructive industry, and can now hold our heads high with the knowledge that 'when there's a will, there's a way'. Since it has been both a challenge and a rewarding end result, I thought it an opportune time to speak out and let everyone know how a small company like ours can make a positive impact for future generations. Baby steps and individual efforts can make a change.
We were the first printing company in the early 80's to pursue recycled paper. The manufacturer, Gladfelter Mills, was buried deep the the United States and the only way to bring paper to Vancouver Island was to buy a railroad car full of paper and hope that it would sell. The paper had squished bugs, glass and unconfirmed substances throughout, not to mention the colour choices were non existent. In spite of the paper obstacles, we sold railroad car after railroad car of stock. Here we are 20 years later and we shake our heads. Why did it take 20 years for the switch to be flicked on? Almost every request is now for recycled, FSC certified, SFI certified or Green-e certified stock. Even though we are pleased that part of our industry, the paper element, has become uppermost in our minds, what about the manufacturing processes? CleanPrint BC has allowed us to address that concern. In 2003, we became certified by CleanPrintBC and are still the only certified printer on Vancouver Island. Before certification, we disposed of 3 commercial dumpsters of garbage per week from our print shop. We currently fill only 2 household-sized garbage cans per week. This has been accomplished with input and great effort by our staff and CleanPrintBC.
We analyzed everything that came in and out of our building in addition to working with our suppliers that were striving for environmental stewardship in their particular areas of expertise. Simple things like switching from white paper towels to brown kraft towels, which can be commercially composted, have a tendency to be overlooked by most establishments. This line of environmental priority has allowed us to compost everything, including lunchroom waste. We are now fertilizing gardens with a simple mindset. 'Does it really have to be garbage?'
We proudly display our EcoStar awards, the result of meeting many challenges head on, proving that a small company like ours can make a positive impact for future generations.
This program has been a great success. Will it continue? Yes! Are there plans to expand? Yes! Our goal is to recycle 100%. Will other print shops follow our lead? We hope so.
Mike Barge, head environmental guy
