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Wastewise
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Annual Report
PARTNERING FOR SU(
AND S U STA I N A B I L ITY
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CO NTENTS
- WISE
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Expanding Waste Wise's Reach
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WasteWise
2006
Containers and Packaging
Containers and packaging make up the largest portion of waste generated in the
United States—about 75 million tons annually. Reducing and recycling packag-
ing materials poses many challenges to business and industry. EPA efforts are
helping to increase the recyclability of packaging, as well as decrease the excess
use of product packaging.
EPA is collaborating with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition—an industry
working group inspired by cradle-to-cradle principles and dedicated to creating a
more robust environmental vision for packaging—to develop sustainable package
design criteria and a material assessment tool. Through this partnership, EPA hopes
to educate industry decision-makers and equip them with the tools necessary to make
informed design choices, with the goal of creating a fully sustainable packaging system.
Many WasteWise partners also have committed to reducing and recycling packaging materials. In
2005, WasteWise partners reused, donated, or recycled nearly 1.3 million tons of cardboard contain-
ers—equivalent to removing approximately 1 million automobiles from the road for one year.
Food Scraps
Americans dispose of more than 25 million tons of food scraps annually. College campuses, in par-
ticular, generate significant amount of food scraps. On average, more than more than one-third of a
pound of food ends up in the garbage during every meal served at colleges and universities.
Partnering with WasteWise, RecycleMania—an intercollegiate competition encouraging students
and staff to participate in waste reduction activities during a 10-week period—added organic waste
from food service to its program in 2006. This move helped bring attention to the importance of
reducing food scraps and increased the amount collected on campuses nationwide.
Nearly 100 colleges and universities competed in 2006,
reporting more than 9,000 tons of waste recycled,
including more than 750 tons of food scraps from 17
colleges and universities participating in the food serv-
ice organics competition.
Many RecycleMania participants are also WasteWise
partners and have shown a commitment to reducing
food service organics on campus. In 2005, collegiate
WasteWise partners reused and recycled nearly 4,000
tons of food scraps. Many colleges and universities
owe their success to "thinking outside the box," using
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methods other than traditional composting, such as vermicomposting—adding food scraps to bins
full of worms—and reusing food scraps for animal feedstock by sending the scraps to a piggery.
Coal Ash
In the past, power plants disposed of coal ash—a waste product of coal combustion in coal fired
power plants operating processes—in landfills, but recently there has been a surge of reuse and recy-
cling initiatives. Waste Wise partners are a key part of the movement to divert coal ash from land-
fills. Many WasteWise partners are also partners in EPA's Coal Combustion Products Partnership
(C2P2) Program.
Coal ash can be in the form of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) mate-
rial. Because of its size, shape, and chemical properties, fly ash is useful in cement and concrete applica-
tions. Fly ash can also be used as fill material for structural applications and embankments, in soil modi-
fication and/or stabilization, as a component of flowable fill, component in road bases, sub-bases, and
pavement, and as mineral filler in asphalt. From 2004 to 2005, WasteWise partners reported an increase
of more than 1.5 billion pounds in the amount of fly ash recycled, from nearly 3 billion pounds in 2004
to nearly 4.5 billion pounds in 2005. Thirteen WasteWise partners, mostly utilities or facilities with util-
ities on site, reported recycling more than 4 billion pounds of fly ash for
cement applications in 2005.
Priority Chemicals
The analogous waste reduction goals of WasteWise and
EPA's National Partnership for Environmental Priorities
(NPEP) make the two programs fitting conference
partners and cooperators in the national effort to con-
serve natural resources through materials management
and energy recovery. The two programs began holding a
joint conference in 2005.
As voluntary partnership programs, both WasteWise and
NPEP provide organizations with recognition for their waste
reduction efforts as incentives for participation. WasteWise and NPEP
provide options for businesses to choose where they want to focus their waste reduction efforts. Just
as WasteWise supports organizations' municipal solid waste reduction activities, NPEP works with
organizations and the public to reduce the use and release of 31 priority chemicals. Many
WasteWise partners also manage hazardous materials and can benefit from the technical assistance
and resources that NPEP provides. Through the efforts of WasteWise and NPEP, organizations have
the resources they need and great incentives to reduce a wide range of waste materials.
WasteWise
2006
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REDUCING RESIDENTIAL MUNICIPAL
SOLID WASTE
Waste Wise listens to what partners and others want and is always
looking to try something new. At its annual conference this fall,
Waste Wise announced the development of a new campaign,
WASTEWISE COMMUNITIES. Through WASTEWISE COMMUNITIES,
local governments will have the opportunity to join WasteWise
with a focus on reducing residential municipal solid waste and to
gain recognition for such efforts through annual awards.
In addition to the practical and economic benefits, waste reduc-
tion activities, such as waste prevention and recycling, help com-
munities conserve resources and mitigate global climate change. Every stage of a product's life cycle
uses natural resources and consumes energy, and each stage results in the release of GHG emissions.
WASTEWISE COMMUNITIES reflects WasteWise's emphasis on the link between global climate change
and waste. The program will help partners understand how to decrease their climate footprint by
providing tools and resources to communities seeking economically viable solutions to reduce waste
and limit GHG emissions.
WASTEWISE COMMUNITIES will offer benefits and resources similar to those of the main WasteWise
program but with a specific focus on residential waste reduction to help support local governments.
Such resources include: access to information specialists via the WasteWise Helpline, tools to imple-
ment or expand waste reduction programs, information in the Member Services section of the
WasteWise Web site, recognition opportunities through the WasteWise Annual Awards Program,
networking through WASTEWISE COMMUNITIES Partner Forums, and individualized City Climate
Profiles (which will contain information on communities' residential GHG emission reduction
efforts).
Be one of the first to join the WASTEWISE COMMUNITIES campaign and begin reaping the rewards of
residential waste reduction. EPA hopes to officially launch the campaign in spring 2007.
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WasteWis
2006
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WasteWis
Award Winners
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fi
«/
Fame
EPA congratulates the 2006 WasteWise award winners! In particu-
lar, EPA recognizes the two 2006 Hall of Fame inductees:
Constellation Energy/BGE and Guardian Automotive—Ligonier
Plant. These organizations join previous Hall of Fame inductees including
Anheuser'Busch Companies, Inc.; Eastman Kodak Company; General
Motors; King Count}1, Washington; Public Service Enterprise Group;
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control; United
States Postal Service Northeast Area; and Virco Mfg. Corporation.
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Constellation
Constellation Energy/BGE
Constellation Energy, together with its subsidiary BGE, is one of the
nation's largest wholesale power companies and America's oldest energy
utility. It lights up the waste reduction scene with its reuse and recycling
programs. The company has won seven WasteWise awards since joining
as a charter partner in 1994.
Although Constellation faces many waste reduction challenges from materials unique to the energy
industry (such as coal ash), the company has implemented many reuse and recycling solutions—helping
it save more than $30 million in new purchases and disposal costs. In 1998, Constellation installed a sep-
arator at its Brandon Shores, Maryland, power plant to separate carbon from coal ash, making it usable in
specialty concrete. Along with other coal ash applications like flowable fill and blasting grit, this project
allowed Constellation to recycle approximately 450,000 tons of coal ash, or greater than half of all ash
the company produced in 2005. During the last 10 years, Constellation has increased its ash recycling
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rate from less than 10 percent to more than 50 percent and recycled
approximately 2.2 million tons of various materials,
BGE previously had to dispose of electronic reading transmitters
(ERTs)—used in gas meters—as hazardous waste. In 2005, the com-
pany found a remanufacturer for the ERTs, resulting in potential
savings of more than $1 million throughout the lifespan of all ERTs
now in service.
Every year BGE recycles thousands of tons of materials like metals, paper, and wood and returns
remanufactured tools, meters, and electrical equipment from its equipment shops to useful service.
Guardian Automotive-
Ligonier Plant
Guardian Automotive—Ligonier Plant, an automotive glass plant in Indiana, is shattering the idea
that industry and the environment are at odds by integrating a comprehensive waste reduction pro-
gram in its facility. Winning eight WasteWise awards in just seven years, the Ligonier Plant has
demonstrated waste reduction success as both a partner and an endorser.
The Ligonier Plant is continuously searching for ways to reuse and recycle new materials. In 2005, the
Ligonier Plant recycled more than 13,000 tons of waste and saved more than $360,000. This included
recycling all unused glass cullet, which is used to make glass beads for bead blasting, fiberglass, or
reflective paint for highways. The Ligonier Plant's activities also have had a positive effect on operat-
ing costs, saving the small company more than $1.3 million since becoming a partner in 1996.
Even materials traditionally overlooked for recycling have not escaped the Ligonier Plant's meticu-
lous waste reduction efforts. Thanks to its employee education efforts and detailed track-
ing, the Ligonier Plant has recycled approximately 80 tons of razor blades as scrap
steel since its razor blade recycling program began in 1998. The Ligonier
Plant sold more than 140 tons of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) used in the lami-
nating department and recycled more than 70 tons of scrap polyvinyl
chloride (PVC).
Understanding that waste reduction can equal big savings, the Ligonier
Plant became a WasteWise Endorser in 2003, and spread the WasteWise
message to other Guardian plants. Including the Ligonier Plant, 10 out of
37 Guardian facilities in the United States now proudly call themselves
WasteWise partners.
WasteWise
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tS
the Year
The Partner of the Year and Endorser of the Year Awards recognize the organization in each category
with the best overall waste reduction achievements for the year.
Endorser of the Year
CITY OF CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY RECYCLING EDUCATION PROGRAM
An endorser since 2001, the City of Clifton works diligently to spread the Waste Wise message, promot-
ing it by using the Waste Wise logo on letterhead and stationary, in television and newspaper advertise-
ments, and on city billboards. Clifton also distributed more than 200 partnership registrations in 2005
during speaking engagements at schools, businesses, civic groups, health forums, and government meetings
throughout the community. Clifton is also walking the talk. In 2005, the city avoided more than $1.7 million in
disposal costs through its recycling and waste prevention efforts.
Partner of the Year
EASTERN
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Since becoming a Waste Wise member in 1997, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) has successfully imple-
mented its comprehensive waste reduction program. In 2005, with the voluntary efforts of more than
13,500 students, faculty, and staff, EIU diverted nearly 50 percent of its waste through recycling efforts,
boosting its waste reduction and recycling cost savings to $140,000. EIU supports the university community through
the reuse of furniture and office supplies. It also has a creative reuse program with its township—the school donated
615 tons of boiler ash to road supervisors in 2005 to provide better traction on snow- and ice-covered roads.
UNfTEDSTATES
POSTAL SERViCE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
ALABAMA DISTRICT
The U.S. Postal Service Alabama District started its recycling program in 1997, two years before becoming a
Waste Wise partner. Once a partner, the Alabama District developed The Paperless Society. Encouraging electron-
ic communications, the Alabama District saved approximately 70 tons of high-grade paper in 2005. The Alabama
District relies on input from its employees and created an Online Swap Shop after a postmaster noticed excess
materials in its facilities such as forms, office supplies, and furniture. In 2005, this effort saved the Alabama
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District more than $40,000 on supply purchases. More than 7,600 employees contributed to diverting almost
5,500 tons during this time through the Alabama District's waste prevention and recycling efforts.
AMGEN
ESS: AMGEN, INC.
A Waste Wise partner since 1994, Amgen has maintained and expanded its waste reduction
program. The growing company has overcome many obstacles with its program, including 300 percent staff
growth in 12 years. In 2005, Amgen internally reallocated and reused more than $1.7 million of lab equip-
ment and donated unwanted lab equipment to local schools and nonprofits. Amgen also donated nearly 13
tons of computer equipment to the Ventura County School District. In addition, the company donated
approximately 19 tons of leftover food to a local food bank. Amgen also demolished a lab, recycling more
than 90 percent of the materials, including concrete, asphalt, metal, and wood.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: KITSAP COUNTY, WASHINGTON
For six consecutive years, Kitsap County has won a Waste Wise award. The county attributes
much of its success to finding innovative ways to improve its waste reduction program. In
2005, Kitsap County piloted a junk mail and fax waste reduction program in its Public Works
Department, eliminating more than 1,200 pieces of junk mail and 1,000 junk faxes. It plans to expand this
program to all of its departments in 2006. Kitsap County's waste reduction efforts saved the county more than
$700,000 in avoided disposal costs in 2005. It also has a strong employee education program that includes
posters, electronic newsletters, departmental coordinator workshops, and 30-minute training sessions to
inform its staff on how to maximize their participation in the waste reduction program.
MIDSIZE BUSINESS: NEC ELECTRONICS AMERICA, INC. MEC
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SMALL BUSINESS: THE SEYDEL COMPANIES
The Seydel Companies, a textile chemical manufacturer and marketer, has incorporated
Waste Wise into its manufacturing activities. In 2005, Seydel increased the amount of recycled-
content materials in its products to 30 percent, while increasing the volume of recycled raw
PET purchased for manufacturing by 60 percent. Seydel incorporates a glycol distillate, previ-
ously sent to other companies for reuse, into a new product sold by the company. Seydel also refined nearly 3,900
tons of fats and oils into usable finished products. In 2005, Seydel's waste reduction measures generated more
than $518,000 in revenue.
STATE GOVERNMENT: TDEC/OEA STATE EMPLOYEE l^taaDoMTMWT OP
RECYCLING PROGRAM "SERP"
A winner of the Waste Wise Partner of the Year Award the past four years, the
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Office of Environmental Assistance
(OEA) State Employee Recycling Program (SERP) continues to expand its waste prevention and recycling
program, with nearly 50,000 employees now participating. In 2005, SERP added eight locations to the more
than 50 buildings already taking part in the program. SERP understands that preventing waste before it is gen-
erated is essential to a waste reduction program, so it uses its state employees' Web site to provide tips on
waste prevention practices. In 2005, SERP's waste reduction program saved nearly $40,000 in avoided disposal
costs and received more than $25,000 in recycling revenue. Collecting more than 2 tons of waste, SERP's
Green Cubicle program sets aside office space for the collection of non-traditional items, such as clothing,
coat hangers, eyeglasses, bottle ring holders, and greeting cards for reuse, donation, and recycling.
TRIBAL GOVERNMENT: CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF
THE UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION-TRIBAL
TRANSFER STATION
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation expanded its recycling program
in 2005 by adding a recycling recovery center, eliminating the need to haul recyclables to
neighboring cities. Donation and reuse are not only central to Umatilla's waste reduction program, but also
help the local community. Its materials exchange center serves as a distribution center for donated items such
as silverware, furniture, and tires. Umatilla also reused more than 1 ton of carpet by distributing it to the com-
munity. In addition to purchasing office supplies in bulk, Umatilla increased the amount of recycled content
in the paper it purchased from 25 percent to 50 percent and in tissue products from 50 percent to 75 percent.
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WasteWis
VERY LARGE BUSINESS: VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC.
With more than 200,000 employees and millions of customers, Verizon is a telecommunica-
tions giant that believes in taking responsibility for managing the environmental effect of
operating a global business. More than 3 million customers participated in Verizon's online
Paperless Billing Service in 2005, which reduced administrative costs by $3.7 million and saved $5.4 million
in paper processing and printing costs. Verizon switched from a paper-based to an electronic payroll system,
saving the company nearly $100,000 in printing expenses. Whether it's through conserving energy, applying
recycling technologies, or finding innovative technological solutions to environmental challenges, Verizon is
committed to being a respectful, responsible, and positive influence on the environment.
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old Achieventien
Award
Waste Wise recognises partners with the greatest achievements in the following focus areas.
BENEFICIAL USE: GREAT RIVER ENERGY
Great River Energy understands the value of coal combustion byproducts, such as fly ash and bottom ash. Not only
does Great River Energy use or sell much of its ash material rather than disposing of it, but it also works to expand
the market for fly ash and create markets for bottom ash. In 2005, the company partnered with Headwaters, Inc.
to create a $27 million infrastructure, increasing the sale and use of fly ash, which is used in concrete production
and for soil stabilization. In 2005, Great River Energy sold more than 400,000 tons of fly ash for these purposes.
CLIMATE CHANGE: ALLERGAN, INC.
Allergan, Inc. understands the importance of the connection between waste reduction and greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. Since 1996, Allergan has conducted an annual GHG emissions inventory as part of its resource conser-
vation plan to determine the company's largest GHG emitters. In 2005, Allergan factored its waste reduction prac-
tices into the inventory with the help of the Waste Wise program's Climate Profile. Through activities such as
recycling and reducing packaging, Allergan lowered its GHG emissions by more than 1,400 metric tons of carbon
equivalent, which is equivalent to the annual power consumption of more than 650 households.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: MAHONING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS'
REUSE AND RECYCLING DIVISION
The Mahoning County Commissioners' Reuse and Recycling Division's Green Team understands that a successful
waste reduction program involves the entire community. Through public education and by working directly with
government, business, industry, and residents, the Green Team promotes four concepts—reduce, reuse, recycle, and
don't litter. In 2005, the Green Team piloted its Business Recycling Program in which 160 businesses have com-
mitted to implementing recycling programs. The Green Team gave more than 750 waste reduction presentations
to Mahoning County schools and civic groups. The team then helped the community put what it learned into
action by conducting backyard composting workshops, resulting in more than 40 tons of organic material compost-
ed. The expansion in residential and business recycling efforts resulted in the diversion of an additional 4,000 tons
of material from the municipal waste stream, and another 30,000 tons from the industrial sector.
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WasteWis
2006
EMPLOYEEE EDUCATION: GENZYME CORPORATION-
CAMBRIDGE CAMPUS
Genzyme Corporation-Cambridge Campus in Massachusetts, joined the Waste Wise program in 2005 and
knew immediately it needed full employee participation in order to reach its goals. The Cambridge Campus
implemented an extensive educational program requiring environmental awareness training for all employees,
including a PowerPoint slideshow and a 10-question quiz. The Cambridge Campus also uses its intranet to
educate employees about waste reduction, recycling, and environmentally preferable purchasing. In addition,
employees who take the Genzyme Recycling Pledge commit to waste reduction activities, such as using less
paper and purchasing recycled-content products. These employees receive a Genzyme Recycles mug in recog-
nition for their efforts. Thanks to its employee education efforts, the Cambridge Campus recycled more than
100 tons of material in 2005.
GREEN BUILDINGS: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
A founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1993, Herman Miller continues to lead
the way with green building certifications. To date, the company has a total of nine LEED-certified buildings
with a commitment to renovate all of its facilities—both leased and owned—to meet at least "Silver" certifi-
cation. In 2005, two Herman Miller corporate buildings received "Gold" LEED certification. Through its use
of natural light and 100 percent green power, Herman Miller's Washington, D.C. National Design Building
received "Gold" certification in the Commercial Interiors (CI) category and served as a pilot for the new
LEED-CI category. The building earned credits through its use of recycled and renewable materials, including
Herman Miller products. In addition to its own green building efforts, Herman Miller provides incentives for
its customers to apply for LEED by designing and manufacturing office products and furniture, such as Aeron
Chairs and Quadrant Storage Systems, which qualify for credits toward LEED certification.
GREEN PURCHASING: XANTERRA SOUTH RIM, LLC
Xanterra South Rim, LLC has gone beyond the basics with its waste reduction program by purchasing
numerous items with recycled content, as well as increasing the recycled content of many products. In
2005, Xanterra switched to chlorine-free, 100 percent postconsumer recycled-content copy paper. It also
sells blankets, T-shirts, and sweatshirts that contain between 60 to 100 percent recycled-content materials.
Xanterra recycles many of the items it uses, which helps create markets for these materials. In addition,
Xanterra also closes the loop by buying back the equivalent of more than 10 percent of the paper and 25 per-
cent of the plastic it recycles. In 2005, Xanterra avoided $55,000 in disposal costs through its recycling and
waste prevention program.
NEW PARTNER: SUBARU OF INDIANA AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Although new to the Waste Wise program, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. already has shown dedication
to its waste reduction goals. In 2005, Subaru of Indiana reached its goal of becoming the first North American
auto-assembly plant to reach zero-landfill status. Plus, the company's waste prevention program is thriving
with the refurbishment and repair of more than 2,500 tons of steel and more than 10 tons of plastic products.
ORGANIC MATERIAL REDUCTION: PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
A charter member of Waste Wise, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) began a food waste composting
program for employees at its corporate headquarters general office complex in 2005. In addition, PG&E closes
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the loop with the plant trimmings from its general office complex landscaping—composting the material and
then putting that same compost back into other onsite landscaping activities. At PG&E's Pacific Energy
Center, located a few blocks away, food waste is collected and used as fertilizer for local farms and gardens. In
addition to composting, PG&E uses biodegradable products including cups, plates, coffee stirrers, and tooth-
picks to serve refreshments for events and meetings at the center.
PACKAGING REDUCTION: KRUEGER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Krueger International, Inc. (KI) is a corporate citizen that is taking responsibility for its environmental foot-
print. In 2005, KI eliminated 215 tons of unnecessary packaging materials by reducing the amount of product
packaging it purchased and manufactured. The company decreased customer packaging by more than 90 tons
through its inventive redesign measures. KI limited the number of boxes for small parts, eliminated the corru-
gated base fittings for a number of products, and utilized reusable blanket wrap for large orders. In addition to
its efforts to minimize packaging, KI strives to use as much recycled content in its materials as possible. In
2005, KI's waste prevention program saved the company more than $700,000 in purchasing costs.
PAPER REDUCTION: THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
The Walt Disney Company has excelled with its paper reduction program, saving the company $1.9 million in
2005 alone. Much of these savings can be attributed to Disney's commitment to switching from paper to elec-
tronic media. The company's Electronic Pay Stub Initiative gives employees the option to receive pay stub
advisory notices online. In 2005, Disney also implemented the Hummingbird Imaging System, a secure elec-
tronic receiving and storage program for credit files and collection reports, saving enough paper to equal more
than 750 trees. Disney has extended its paper reduction ethic to shareholders by limiting the amount of print-
ed copies of the annual Enviroport and encouraging them to read electronic copies of the publication.
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP: STEELCASE INC
Steelcase Inc.'s product stewardship commitments are greatly con-
tributing to the company's goal of reducing its global footprint by
25 percent by 2012. Steelcase manufactures and sells environmen-
tally friendly products containing fabrics made from 100 percent
recycled beverage bottles and particleboard made with 100 percent
recycled wood fiber. In 2005, Steelcase shared its product steward-
ship experience with other businesses by hosting the two-day
Green by Design 2 symposium. Steelcase was also the first furniture
company to be awarded the McDonough Braungart Design
Chemistry's new Cradle to Cradle™ Product Certification for its
Think chair—recognized for its use of ecologically intelligent
materials and cradle-to-cradle product design, which takes the
entire life cycle of the product into consideration. Through its
waste prevention activities, Steelcase saved more than $3 million
during the year.
CONTACT
WASTEWISE
WasteWise Helpline:
(800) EPA-WISE (372-9473)
Web Site:
www.epa.gov/wastewise
MaiJing Address:
WasteWise
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency(5306P)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
WasteWise
2006
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United States
Environmental Protection Agency
WasteWise (S306P)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
www.epa.gov/wastewise
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
EPAS30-R-06-OIO
October 2006
Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% Postconsumer, Process Chlorine Free Recycled Paper
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