Our environmental practices

Reduce our carbon footprint. We are entirely wind-powered through Native Energy. In 2008, we aim to reduce our energy usage in our shop and office by 30%. We purchase bus passes for our employees to encourage public transportation usage. Working with the Conservation Fund’s Go Zero program, we’ve “zeroed out” our business’s carbon footprint by planting trees.

Recycle what waste we produce.  When waste is unavoidable because of the printing process, we work to keep our waste out of where it doesn't belong. This includes recycling our photo chemistry, film, paper offcuts, and photopolymer printing plates. Empty ink cans and old rags are kept out of landfills. In our break room and our offices, we recycle and compost our waste.

Support environmental causes. We have partnered with American Forests (the country's oldest citizens' non-profit organization) to help slow global warming through the planting of trees. If our supply customers donate a tree to American Forests during checkout, Boxcar Press matches that tree donation. And during 2008, for every platemaking order over $100, we will plant one tree through American Forests.  Our wedding invitation line Bella Figura donates 1% of sales to environmental causes through 1% for the Planet.

Use environmental papers, either tree-free or a high recycled content. In our print shop, we use a 100% cotton paper made from reclaimed fibers or a sustainable bamboo paper. Our plate proofs are printed on New Leaf Reincarnation 100% recycled paper (50% post-consumer and Process Chlorine Free). Our letterhead and business envelopes are on Mohawk Options (100% post consumer recycled paper made entirely from wind power).

Choose inks and solvents wisely. We use only vegetable-oil based and low-VOC inks, and we use low-VOC and citrus-based solvents. These are better for environment and employees' health.

Reuse when possible. We reuse packing materials and corrugated that our vendors send us as well. We donate surplus paper and envelopes once a year to Syracuse Public Schools. We reuse paper scraps for office notes. 

Choose recycled materials. We use 100% post-consumer recycled materials in our shipping. We purchase recycled office products whenever available.

Go electronic when possible. We send our invoices electronically. Our faxes come to us digitally. We encourage electronic documents in our office. When printing is necessary, we use Boise Aspen 100 (100% post consumer recycled paper) in our office.

Conserve energy. We turn off lights, computers, and equipment in our office and printshop when not in use. All of our lighting is efficient fluorescent lighting

We challenge ourselves to do better. Read our goals.