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RESOURCE GUIDE
Introduction
DEFINITION OF SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
Reprinted with permission from The Sustainable Packaging Coalition http://sustainablepackaging.org (download full PDF document from website)
Sustainable packaging:
- Is beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle;
- Meets market criteria for performance and cost;
- Is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy;
- Maximizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials;
- Is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices;
- Is made from materials healthy in all probable end of life scenarios;
- Is physically designed to optimize materials and energy;
- Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial cradle to cradle cycles.
Editors note: The Sustainable Packaging Coalition has been clear to remind everyone, the criteria are an end-goal — not an all or nothing sort of thing.As we begin new products, or look to improve our systems, the criteria provide a benchmark against which to measure our efforts.Sometimes we'll hit all the marks, sometimes just a few.But in every case the movement is always forward.
RESOURCE GUIDE
Reprinted with permission from Paper or Plastic: Solutions for and overpackaged world by Daniel Imhoff / ISBN-1-57805-117-1 http://www.watershedmedia.org
INFO STREAMS
SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
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Design:Green
New York, NY
(212) 879-4160
www.designgreen.org
An educational facet of J. Ottman Consulting. Design:Green is an introduction to eco-design for designers, marketers, product managers and others involved in the new product development process.
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Minneapolis College of Art and Design Sustainable Design Online Certificate
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 874-3765
http://www.SustainableDesignOnline.org
http://www.online.mcad.edu
Real and actionable knowledge for design and business professionals -- as well as educators, government officials, and students of all backgrounds.
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Sustainability Associates
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 374-4765
http://www.SustainabilityAssociates.us
Sustainability Thinking, Design, Visioning and Coaching.
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANTS
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Celery Design Collaborative
Berkeley, CA
(510) 649-7155
http://www.celerydesign.com
Award winning leader in sustainable design — specializing in graphics, packaging, and identity systems.
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Institute for Sustainable Communication
The ISC is dedicated to developing leaders that can implement proven, practical and measurable policies at a corporation's operational level by implementing best practices for enterprise communication.
http://sustaincom.org/
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Jedlicka Design Ltd
Roseville MN
(651) 636-0964
http://jedlicka.com
An eco-design firm serving manufacturers, retailers — and discreetly, other creative service firms.
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Kinetix
New York, NY
(212) 366-9997
www.kinetixllc.com
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Organic Design Consultants
Minneapolis, MN
http://themightyodo.com
Design for the living world.
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J. Ottman Consulting
New York, NY
(212) 879-4160
www.greenmarketing.com/
Green-marketing consultancy and online resource helping businesses find avenues for eco-innovation.
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Techlogic, Inc.
Edina, MN
(952) 829-7285
http://www.techlogicinc.com ISO 14000 consultants
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Sustainability Associates
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 374-4765
http://www.SustainabilityAssociates.us
Sustainability Thinking, Design, Visioning and Coaching, Eco-Auditing and Sustainability Auditing and Assessments
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PTIS - Packaging & Technology Integrated Solutions, LLC
Kalamazoo, MI
(269) 353-6448
http://pti-solutions.com/
Sustainable packaging strategy development, packaging workshops, and productivity management.
MATERIALS
ADHESIVES
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EcoSynthetix
Lansing, MI
(866) 326-7849
www.ecosynthetix.com/
Bio-based adhesive manufacturer. Offers a wide variety of degradable and benin adhesives suited to the challenge of packaging and print applications.
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National Starch and Chemical Company
Bridgewater, NJ
(800) 797-4992
www.nationalstarch.com/
Manufacturer of expanded starch-foam loose-fill peanuts and natural polymer adhesives.
GLASS
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Glass Packaging Institute
Alexandria, VA
(703) 684-6359
www.gpi.org/
The Glass Packaging Institute maintains a member list that helps packaging designers locate vendors closest to their production area.
METALS
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The Aluminum Association
Washington, D.C.
(703) 358-2930
www.aluminum.org/
Industry group and website offering articles, statistics, and supplier and manufacturer resources.
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American Iron and Steel Institute Steel Packaging Council
Washington, D.C.
(202) 452-7100
http://www.steel.org/
Industry group and website providing a good overview of how the steel industry works to increase efficiency. Use the links on this site to find vendors in your area.
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National Association of Aluminum Distributors
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 564-3484
Industry group and vendor locator. From cans to foil to laminates, aluminum provides a wide variety of both packaging solutions and packaging challenges.
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Norsk MetallGjenvinning AS
Oslo, Norway
(+47) 23173980
www.glassgjenvinning.no/
Industry Group. Website lists manufacturers and suppliers of recycled glass and metals packaging and offers other information about European glass and metals recycling efforts.
PAPER: GENERAL RESOURCES
PAPER AND PAPEBOARD
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100% Recycled Paperboard Alliance
Washington, D.C.
(202) 347-8000
www.rpa100.com/
A great place to find suppliers and converters of 100 percent recycled paperboard packaging.
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Alberta Research Council Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada
(780) 450-5111
www.arc.ab.ca/
Leading research organization helping to develop and promote the use of non-wood fibers.
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Brodrene Hartmann
Lyngby, Denmark
(+45) 4587-5030
www.hartmann.dk/
Manufacturer of post-consumer molded-pulp packaging for numerous applications.
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Chlorine Free Products Association
Algonquin, Illinois
(847) 658-6104
www.chlorinefreeproducts.org
Leading organization promoting and independently certifying manufacturers of paper, paperboard, molded pulp, and other products.
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CTI Paper Group
www.thepapermillstore.com
The Paper Mill Store, a leading online paper and envelope resource, providing graphics professionals with thousands of leading mill-branded items.
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Domtar Inc.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
(514) 848-5400
Atlanta, GA
(404) 532-1140
www.domtar.com
North American of paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
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Eco-Pack Marketing UK Ltd.
London, United Kingdom
+44 20 7823 8808
www.eco-pack.co.uk
Eco-Pack is the first environmentally friendly and biodegradable product in the world to be made of more than 90% natural agricultural cellulose fibres, pulp free, emissions free and chemical free.
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EnviroPak
St. Louis, MO
(314) 739-1202
www.enviropak.com/
Manufacturer of molded-pulp packaging. 100% recycled content and recyclable.
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The Environmental Paper Network
Asheville, NC
(828) 251-8558
www.environmentalpaper.org
Environmental Paper Network websitea resource for purchasers, environmental organizations, industry, and individuals. The Environmental Paper Network is a diverse group of environmental organizations joined together to support socially and environmentally sustainable transformations within the pulp and paper industry.
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Forest Certification Resource Center
Portland, OR
(503) 224-2205
www.certifiedwood.org/
Industry group that promotes the Forest Stewardship Council, an independent, not-for-profit, voluntary initiative committed to promoting responsible forest products. Website has a directory for certified sustainable wood and wood pulp suppliers.
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Forest Stewardship Council
Washington, D.C.
(202) 342-0413
www.fscus.org/
Leading third-party certifier of ecological forest practices with over 100 million acres certified worldwide.
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Georgia-Pacific Corporation
Atlanta, GA
(404) 652-4000
www.gp.com/
Manufacturer of containerboard, converting papers, kraft papers, packaging, pulp, and recycled corrugated pallets. Containerboard and packaging converter.
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Green Field Paper Company
San Diego, CA
858-565-2585.
www.greenfieldpaper.com
All about the paper, tree free paper. We offer both handmade plantable paper and machine made hemp paper.
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International Molded Pulp Environmental Packaging Association
Mequon, WI
(262) 241-0522
www.impepa.org/
Industry group. Its website, though geared toward the molded-pulp professional, offers articles on technology developments, environmental legislation, current molded pulp products, and more. It does not provide a member list. Write directly to the group to find a vendor in your area.
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Liberty Carton Company
Golden Valley, MN
(800) 328-1784
www.libertycarton.com/
Innovative, manufacturer, printer, and supplier of containerboard, packaging, Point of Purchase, and retail (ready-made) packaging from its own recycled paper mill.
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New Leaf Paper
San Francisco, CA
(800) 989-5323
www.newleafpaper.com/
Suppliers of high-PCR-content and FSC-certified papers.
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Rock-Tenn Company
Norcross, GA (770)
448-2193
www.rocktenn.com/
100 percent recycled paperboard packaging manufacturer. High-volume printer, producing recycled paperboard packaging since 1908.
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USDA Western Regional Center
Albany, CA
(510) 559-5907
www.pw.usda.gov/
Conducts research and develops technologies with companies to make use of agricultural fibers in paper, plastics, and other materials.
PLASTICS: BIODEGRADABLE, BIOBASED, RECYCLED
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Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers
Arlington, VA
(703) 741-5578
www.plasticsrecycling.org/
Plastics recycling industry group and website offering background information about plastics recycling, a design guideline for working with recycled plastics, and member list to find fabricators in your area.
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Biodegradable Plastics Society
www.bpsweb.net/02_english/
Industry group and website.
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Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
New York, NY
(888) BPI-LOGO (274-5646)
www.bpiworld.org/
Industry group and website list of certified biodegradable product manufacturers (mostly bags and films).
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BioEnvironmental Polymer Society (BEPS)
www.beps.org/
Industry group and website.
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Center for Biodegradable Polymer Research
Lowell, MA
(978) 934-3417
http://bprc.caeds.eng.uml.edu/
Industry group and website.
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Biopolymer.net www.biopolymer.net
Newsgroup and website. A comprehensive resource for manufacturers and buyers of bio-plastics and for those who want to keep abreast of this fast-changing field.
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AdalsonOY
Koria, Finland (+35) 85886 5500
Manufacturer of molded-pulp packaging from flax and hemp fibers.
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Biocorp North America
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 491-3465
www.biocorpna.com/
Bioplastic packaging manufacturer.
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Bioplastics Polymers and Composites
Lansing, MI
(303) 265-9072
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Natureworks LLC
Minnetonka, MN
(877) 423-7659
www.natureworkllc.com
Manufacturer of bio-plastic films, fibers, and polymers for packaging, textiles, and fiberfill.
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Convex Plastics
Hamilton, New Zealand
(+64) 7 847 5133
www.convex.co.nz/
Recycled polyethylene, flexible, ready-made bags and films.
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DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers
Wilmington, DE
(302) 774-1161
(800)628-6208
www.dupont.com/packaging
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EarthShell Lutherville, MD
(410) 847-9420
www.earthshell.com/
Manufacturer of food-service packaging. 100 percent biodegradable and recyclable through composting.
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Earthware Biodegradables
Lagunitas, CA
(415) 488-8152
(800) 211-6747
www.earthwarebiodegradables.com/
Manufacturers of biodegradable disposable cutlery made from non-genetically engineered wheat and corn.
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Enak West
Sussex, England
(+44) 0-1403-265544
www.enak.co.uk/
Manufacturer of water-soluble plastic films.
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Excellent Packaging & Supply
510-501-3307
www.excellentpackaging.com
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FP International
Redwood City, CA
(650) 261-5300
www.fpintl.com
Recycles EPS which is then reprocessed and used to create loose-fill packaging.
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Metabolix
Cambridge, MA
(617) 492-0505
www.metabolix.com/
Metabolix applies the cutting edge tools of biotechnology to create a new generation of highly versatile, sustainable, biobased, biodegradable, natural plastics and chemicals.
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Novamont
Novara, Italy
(+39) 0321 699611
www.materbi.com
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Pak-Sel, Inc.
Portland, OR
(503) 771-9404
www.cellobag.com
Converter and supplier of cellophane bags and films. Great short-run solution for wet items, fresh fruits and vegetables, or as a replacement for polybags.
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Paper Foam
Barneveld, Netherlands
(+31) 0-342-401-471
www.paperfoam.com/
Manufacturer of molded pulp that combines plant starch and recycled paper.
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Potatopak Ltd.
Blenheim, New Zealand
(+64) 3 579 1079
www.potatoplates.com/
Manufacturers of potato-starch packaging and waterproof biodegradable trays.
REUSABLE CONTAINERS
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CHEP
Orlando, FL
(888) 243-711
www.chep.com/chepapp/chep
International suppliers of reusable pallets and container pools.
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IFCO International Food Container Organization North America
Houston, TX
(877) 430-IFCO
www.ifco.de/
Distributes, collects, and redistributes Reusable Plastic Containers in a cost-effective, sanitary manner to locations worldwide.
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Rehrig Pacific
Los Angeles, CA
(800) 421-6244
www.rehrigpacific.com/
International supplier of reusable plastic containers for foods and beverages.
TRANSPORT PACKAGING
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Liberty Diversified Industries
New Hope, MN
(763) 536-6600
(800) 421-1270
www.libertydiversified.com/
Manufacturer of naturally pest-resistant recycled corrugated pallets, transport packaging, and reusable packaging.
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Nippon Hi-Pack
Kasugai City, Japan
(+81) 56 834-8171
Hong Kong (+852)
2730-1108
Manufacturers of recyclable fiberboard pallets made from post-consumer pulp.
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OrCon Industries
LeRoy, NY
(585) 768-7000
www.orconind.com/
Manufactures 100 percent recycled paperboard thermo-formed pulp packaging. In addition, Orcon fabricates and distributes packaging used for closed-loop returnable systems.
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Packaging Corporation of America
Lake Forest, IL
(800) 456-4725
www.packagingcorp.com/
Manufacturer of recycled corrugated pallets. Not only are these pallets recycled but they are also recyclable.
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LOCK N' POP®
20508 56th Ave W. / Suite A
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(800) 225-5539
www.locknpop.com
Pallet Stabilizing Adhesive Systems.
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Minnesota PCA
St. Paul, MN
(800) 657-3843
www.moea.state.mn.us/berc/transpac.cfm
Transport Packaging Strategy (a downloadable PDF) is a tool to help large waste generators make informed decisions about reducing, reusing, and recycling transport packaging.
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Pro-Pac Sydney,
Australia
(+61) 2 9560 7799
www.pro-pac.com.au/
Manufacturers of starch-based loose-fill.
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StarchTech, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN
(763) 545-5400
(800) 597-7225
www.starchtech.com/
Manufacturer of expanded starch-foam, static-free, loose-fill peanuts.
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Sol Plastics Montreal,
Quebec, Canada
(888) SOL-PLAS (765-7527)
(514) 254-8525
www.solplastics.com
Manufacturer of 100 percent recycled plastic pallets. Its website boasts We recycle more than 65 millions pounds (30,000 metric tons) of post-consumer and post industrial waste a year.
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Sonoco
Hatsville, SC
(843) 383-7407
(800) 377-2692
www.sonoco.com/
Producers of high post-consumer-content recycled-paper packaging materials.
PACKAGING LEGISLATION AND INFORMATION
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Environmental Packaging International
Providence, RI
(401) 423-2225
www.enviro-pac.com/
Consultancy group that helps companies large and small navigate the ever-changing environmental packaging regulations.
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Keller and Heckman
Washington, D.C.
(202) 434-4100
www.packaginglaw.com/
Packaging lawyers. This website delivers clear and navigable information on often confusing packaging regulations. In addition, it provides free monthly articles dealing with the ever-changing nuances of packaging law.
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Raymond Communications
College Park, MD
(301) 345-4237
www.raymond.com/
The subscription-based Recycling Laws International tracks up-to-date changes in packaging and recycling laws around the world. Hosts annual conferences on changing packaging laws and trends.
PRINTERS AND INFORMATION ON PRINTING
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Printer's National Environmental Assistance Center
www.pneac.org/
The PNEAC mission is to deliver current, reliable environmental compliance and pollution prevention information to printers, publishers, and packagers. A truly fantastic resource for anyone putting ink to paper.
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Alonzo Printing
Hayward, CA
(800) 359-0522
(510) 293-3940
www.alonzoprinting.com/
Printer (digital and offset), bindery, and mailing services. The first printer in Alameda County, California, to be certified as a Green Business.
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Celery Design Collaborative
Berkeley, CA
(510) 649-7155
www.celerydesign.com/
Its Ecological Guide to Paper references only high PCR, tree-free fiber, and chlorine-free papers.
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Greg Barber Company
Teterboro, NJ
(516) 413-9207
www.gregbarberco.com/
Print, book, and packaging printer. One of the few printers to feature Tree-Free packaging as well as 100 percent post-consumer content packaging.
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Johnson Printing & Packaging Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
763-571-2000
800-877-4077
http://www.jppcorp.com/
An award-winning, nationally recognized specialist in customized design, commercial printing, packaging, and fulfillment.
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o2-USA
www.o2-usa.org/
U.S. chapter of o2 Global Network. Both national and individual subchapter web sites provide a wide variety of reference links covering the bigger picture of ecodesign as well as more specific design topics.
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Partners in Design
Seattle, WA
(206) 223-0681
www.pidseattle.com/
Good source on toxics and heavy metals in inks. Also available are EcoStrategies for Printed Communications: An Information and Strategy Guide, a downloadable PDF guide detailing eco-printing strategies.
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Printer's National Environmental Assistance Center
www.pneac.org/
www.pimn.org
List of printers in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin that have taken up the Great Printers Eco Challenge.
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re-nourish
http://www.re-nourish.com/
Renourish is a resource for the graphic design industry. Specifically, renourish offers definitions, tips, links, information and inspiration to aid in the development of a sustainable and more environmentally conscious graphic design craft.
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PIM Great Printer Environmental Initiative
A voluntary effort by printers to demonstrate their commitment to minimize their companys impact on human health and the environment while producing quality printed products for their customers. Great Printers go beyond what is required by government regulatory agencies in environmental, health and safety compliance.
http://pimn.org/environment/greatprinter.htm
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
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Canadian Markets Initiative
Vancouver, British Columbia
(250) 725-8050
www.oldgrowthfree.com
Home of the Canadian ancient-forest-friendly publishing campaign.
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Center for a New American Dream
Takoma Park, MD
(301) 891-ENUF (3683)
www.ibuydifferent.org/
Devoted to helping Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life and promote social justice.
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Conservatree
San Francisco, CA
(415) 721-4230
www.conservatree.com/
Leading clearinghouse providing up-to-date supplier lists of recycled, certified, tree-free, and chlorine-free paper products and launching campaigns for environmentally preferable paper purchasing.
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Environmental Defense/Alliance for Environmental Innovation
Boston, MA
(617) 723-2996
www.environmentaldefense.org/
Helps businesses create innovative, equitable, and cost-effective solutions to urgent environmental problems with manufacturing and packaging assessments. Web-based reference and white papers.
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Environmental Paper Network
www.environmentalpaper.org/
Coalition of numerous nonprofit groups with programs to increase the use of environmentally preferable papers.
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GrassRoots Recycling Network
Oakland, CA
(510) 531-5523
www.grrn.org/
Nonprofit that serves as a clearinghouse and promoter of extended producer responsibility, zero waste, and regional resourcefulness.
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GreenBlue
Charlottesville, VA
(434) 817-1424
www.greenblue.org
Nonprofit organization focused on cradle-to-cradle design principles.
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Sustainable PackagingCoalition
Charlottesville, VA
(434) 817-1424
www.sustainablepackaging.org
Collaboration of industry leaders working to create deep environmental packaging reform.
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Rainforest Action Network
San Francisco, CA
(415) 398-4404
www.ran.org
An organization that works internationally to preserve remaining intact temperate and tropical forest ecosystems. Conducts campaigns to bring corporations into compliance with forest stewardship.
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Watershed Media
Healdsburg, CA
(707) 431-2936
www.watershedmedia.org/
Producers of this book. Leading publisher of professional resource tools on wood reduction, green design, sustainable agriculture, and more.
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World Resources Institute
Washington, D.C.
(202) 729-7600
www.wri.org/
Tracks leading indicators of forest health, including The Last Frontier Forests.
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
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Businesses for Social Responsibility
San Francisco, CA
(415) 984-3200
www.bsr.org/
Leading membership organization advocating the adoption of high standards for environmentally, socially, and economically sound business practices.
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The Center for Environmental Leadership in Business
Washington, DC
(202) 912-1000
www.celb.org
Established by Conservation International and the Ford Motor Company to promote private sector solutions to critical global issues.
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Ethical Consumer
Manchester, U.K.
(+44) 0-161-226-2929
www.ethicalconsumer.org/
Website and consumer activist group. Understanding the consumer is the heart of effective packaging, and the key to market greening.
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GreenBiz
Washington, DC
(202) 833-2933
www.greenbiz.com
An online journal of environmentally pro-active business practices.
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Green Seal
Washington, D.C.
(202) 872-6400
www.greenseal.org
Independent green certification board.
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Natural Capital Institute
Sausalito, CA
(415) 331-6241
www.naturalcapital.org/
Home of a working group on ecological business solutions furthering the work of the book Natural Capitalism.
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LOHAS Journal
Broomfield, CO
(303) 222—8283
www.lohasjournal.com/
Green business magazine focusing on LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability), and describes a $226.8 billion U.S. marketplace for goods and services.
SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING
WASTE ISSUES
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Natural Resources Defense Council
New York, NY
(212) 727-2700
www.nrdc.org/cities/recycling/default.asp
Helps communities solve pressing needs, like turning recycling programs from budget sinks into profit centers.
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EPA/WasteWise
www.epa.gov/wastewise/
A free, voluntary, EPA program helping U.S. organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste, benefiting the bottom line and the environment. Scroll to Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program.
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