USPS Goes Cradle to Cradle

The United States Postal Service is the first shipper to be certified cradle to cradle. Essentially, the "cradle to cradle mantra suggest[s] a world where everything industry churns out can either be composted, reused or recycled into something else." After surpassing government minimum standards, the USPS went a step further to ensure energy reduction and sustainability.

"Based on the recycled content of the more than 500 million Express Mail and Priority Mail packages and envelopes the Postal Service provides its customers each year, more than 15,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions now will be prevented annually. Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes and envelopes also are 100 percent recyclable.

To achieve certification, all 200 suppliers contributing to the manufacture of Postal Service envelopes and packages completed a demanding series of measurements and assessments of materials for human and environmental health.

All materials were examined using 39 criteria for human and environmental health, including toxicity, renewable energy, water stewardship, recyclability and other manufacturing attributes. The Postal Service also worked with MBDC to gain certification for an additional 200 million pieces of mailing supplies used each year, including decals, labels, packing tape, examining inks, tapes and adhesives."

Well done.
- GreenBiz

Tip of the Day: When traveling, stay at a Green Hotel.