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
[email protected]