what it means to be green

what it means to be green

Being green can mean different things to different people. But whatever your definition, being green means a lot. Any eco-friendly initiative a company or individual embarks on takes a step toward protecting people and our planet. This resource guide will help you make informed decisions about purchasing eco-friendly products that are smart investments for your company and our communities.

The difference recycling makes Plastic Producing recycled plastic saves 70% of the energy used to create new plastic. Glass Producing glass from crushed, used glass uses 30% less energy than producing it from new materials. Steel Recycling steel and tin cans saves 60-74% of the energy used to produce them from raw materials. Paper Producing recycled paper requires about 60% of the energy used to make paper from virgin wood pulp. Bamboo Bamboo s rapid growth rate makes it one of the most significant and versatile resources, while also generating more oxygen than similar sized trees. Corn Plastic Corn plastic made from corn resin (polylactic acid) reduces dependencies on oil while lessening pollution during manufacture.

know the facts The terminology used to describe the impact products make on our environment can vary widely. Use this Green Glossary to talk the talk. Green or Eco-Friendly Goods, services, and practices that inflict little to no harm on the environment. Are made of environmentally friendly materials Free from harmful chemicals and compounds Do not deplete the environment during production and transportation Have multiple purposes and a long shelf life Reduce the environmental impact of the building they re used in and create a healthy environment in that building Modal Produced from indigenous beech wood an easily renewable resource that requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers to grow. Natural For a product to be truly natural, it shouldn t contain any synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, or ingredients from petrochemicals. Note: When a product is labeled natural, the product may have been made using environmentally unsound practices or non eco-friendly materials that can be harmful to your health.

where can I go for more information? For more information on earth-friendly initiatives and how you can improve your organizational practices please visit: US Green Building Council www.usgbc.org US Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov Earth Day Network www.earthday.net National Geographic (tips for everyday green living) www.thegreenguide.com Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency www.dsireusa.org US Department of Energy www.energy.gov

why do green products cost more? The increased costs are due to the process by which organic produce is cultivated and produced into fabric. The loss of agents such as pesticides result in more manpower needed to protect crops. The mills also incur more expense due to the additional processes which they must adhere to. In the case of recycled products, mills and factories must take on the expense of buying the recyclable materials and converting to textiles. Though for some items the initial price may be higher, purchasing green products is an investment in the future. Green products actually save time and money in the long run because green products can be more durable and longer lasting and are easier to re-use and recycle.

why should my organization buy green? Purchasing eco-friendly products provides your organization with a quick and tangible way to lessen the negative impacts on air quality, water purity, and land preservation. If your company already recycles, buying green allows you to complete the recycling life cycle by using cradle to cradle eco-friendly products that start with high post-consumer waste products. By buying green, you not only help your businesses and the environment, you also help bring prices down for the future, advancing the entire movement forward.

how can Cintas help? Cintas provides your organization with a resource for environmentally-friendly promotional products. Look for the new Cintas Go Green logo on our products; whenever you see this logo, rest assured the product you are purchasing is made from green content. What we re doing Cintas works hard to protect the environment and conserve natural resources at our facilities across North America. In fact, we will plant a tree through American Forests for each green item purchased from the eco-friendly spread of our 2008 fall sourcebook. Take a look at some of our other specific efforts: Our International Cutting Center recycles over 10,000 pounds of plastic and 1,000,000 of fabric annually. In 2008, Cintas saved over 3 million trees through the recycling of shredded material. We use soil release and Teflon finishes in our fabrics and garments, which require less energy and fewer chemicals to clean. We are the first major industrial launderer to use the new detergent Eclipse, which uses plant oil derivatives and other renewable and biodegradable ingredients.

Organic Products that are produced in a way that replenishes and maintains soil fertility and builds a biologically diverse agriculture with no toxic or chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Organic materials have been minimally processed to maintain the integrity of the material without artificial additives, preservatives, irradiation, synthetic hormones, antibiotics or genetic engineering. Rapid Renewable Materials that are easy and economical to quickly replace to maintain a steady supply chain and prevent the depletion of natural resources. Sometimes used interchangeably with the term sustainable. Recycled Any material that had a previous use and is re-used in a new way rather than disposed of. This includes salvaged, post-consumer, or post-industrial materials. Sustainable Sustainable resources are naturally replenished at the same rate as they are consumed, including products made from bamboo, cotton, or corn. Sometimes used interchangeably with the term rapid renewable.

start with the right materials Rather than simply recycling your waste, it s important to use products made from environmentally safe and healthy materials. Cotton Cotton is a renewable resource and is easy to be re-used, which makes it a preferable resource to replace plastic or paper waste. Stainless Steel Today s stainless steel products are comprised of at least 50% recycled material, which results in less scrap in our country s landfills. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and requires less toxic chemicals to create and maintain it throughout its product life.

Taking care of the earth is everyone s responsibility. Whether you re a small business or a large corporation, we can all take steps to minimize our impact on the environment. Using green products is just one way to do that. Cintas encourages you to consider all of the ways you can become a more eco-conscious organization, for a healthier earth today and in the future. This brochure has been printed with soy-based inks on 100% recycled/30% post consumer paper.

866.320.2901 www.cintas.com promoproducts@cintas.com