Carbon Neutral

Products, operations and activities which have had their carbon dioxide emissions calculated, reduced when possible and/or “offset” through credits that fund wind farms or solar installations. Purchasing these credits allows organizations to reduce their own carbon impact.

Cotton Paper

Cotton papers are superior in both strength and durability to wood pulp-based papers, which often contain high concentrations of destructive acids.

Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF)

Paper made from virgin or recycled fiber that is bleached using alternative Chlorine compounds as a substitute for elemental Chlorine.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

An international organization that has developed standards emphasizing environmentally- and socially-responsible criteria to certify and label wood products from well-managed forests.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using the genetic engineering techniques generally known as Recombinant DNA technology. Sustainable soy ink uses non-GMO soybean oil.

Post-Consumer Waste (PCW)

Waste collected after the consumer has used and disposed of it.

Processed Chlorine Free (PCF)

Paper made from fiber recycled from post-consumer waste (PCW) and unbleached or bleached without Chlorine compounds. PCF paper is the most environmentally friendly type.

Recycled paper

Paper made from old paper that has been de-inked and processed chemically.

Soy ink

An alternative to petroleum based ink that contains lower levels of VOCs and is biodegradable. Sustainable soy ink consists of non-GMO soybean oil.

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

Participants practice sustainable forestry on all lands tha they manage through training of loggers an foresters in the best management practices and landowner outreach programs.

Totally Chlorine Free (TCF)

Paper made from 100% virgin fiber (including alternative fiber from sources other than trees) that is unbleached or bleached with non-Chlorine compounds. TCF cannot apply to recycled papers, because the source fiber cannot be determined.

Vegetable-based inks

Inks made from vegetable byproducts, including soy.

Virgin fiber

Wood fiber, or paper pulp, that has never been recycled.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

A highly evaporative, carbon-based chemical substance, which produces noxious fumes; found in many paints, caulks, stains, and adhesives.