"Environment begins in the household economy.    Tyler Miller, Living in the Environment, 1982

SUSTAINABLE VALUES

The Earth is a closed system with finite resources and the future depends on how we balance environmental, social and economic objectives-or needs-when making decisions today. Sustainable Media is constantly striving to apply the principles of sustainability to our business practices.  The following list illustrates some of the ways we are implementing sustainable values into our daily operations. We are always looking for new and better ways to contribute to a sustainable future and welcome your suggestions. 

EQUITY AND COMMUNITY

• Responsible Investments

• Volunteering time to community groups

• Charitable giving

• Supporting locally owned non-profits and businesses

• Bartering for certain services

• Offering free information regarding sustainable development

GREEN PROCUREMENT & RECYCLING

• Using paper made from 100% post consumer pulp produced in a chlorine free pulping process for copying and printing

• Using recycled money & Kenaf paper for stationary, letterhead & business cards

• Re-using and recycling envelopes

• Using recycled paper and soy-inks for professional printing jobs. 

• Printing and copying using duplex/double-sided modes

• Composting organic waste

• Using recycled paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, trash bags and canvass shopping bags). 

• Purchasing recycled office supplies (folders, refillable pencils, file folders, notebooks, paper clips, etc). 

• Using recycled or reclaimed office furnishings when possible

• Using rubber stamps instead of address labels

• Using recycled toners/ink cartridges

• Recycling office paper, plastics, metal, newsprint, catalogues and cardboard

ENERGY & CONSERVATION

• Between 90-100% of our monthly electricity use is off-set by purchasing wind power through the Minnesota Power WindSense Program (approx. 500 kilowatt-hours monthly)

• Replacing expired light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs

• Using Energy Star office equipment

• Keeping thermostats at optimal energy efficient settings according to seasons. 

• Paperless communications when possible

• Utilizing public transportation

• Utilizing digital photography whenever possible

• Utilizing opt-in only, updated mailing lists

• Utilizing the principals of eco-design when desk-top publishing

• Printing business stationary and letterhead as needed

• Water conservation

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

• Working Assets long distance telephone carrier

• Charitable giving credit accounts

• Non-toxic cleaning supplies

• Organic fair trade coffee/tea & unbleached filters

• Biodegradable soaps

• Cloth napkins and hand towels

• Participates in organized community clean-ups

• Organic lawn care

• Eco-friendly packaging

EMPLOYEE AFFILIATIONS

• Co-op America

• Defenders of Wildlife

• Prairie Wetlands Learning Center

• Communities by Choice

• United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Rescue

• Twin Cities Green Guide

• Northland Sustainable Business Alliance

• Clean Water Action Alliance of Minnesota

• Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross

• Minnesota Public Radio