Prince Frederick, Maryland-based DirectMail.com (www.DirectMail.com), a leading provider of integrated direct marketing solutions, today released data on results achieved from “go green” initiatives implemented throughout the firm’s three-building physical plant in Calvert County, Maryland. By year, DirectMail.com’s proactive efforts to promote the highest environmental standards in its operations include:
1975:
Began recycling paper and cardboard as well as plastic, shrink wrap, corrugated boards and skids.
2000:
Transitioned to an electronic job management system to eliminate paper use in job jackets and tickets, price quotes and proofs and minimize paper use in customer invoicing and payment.
Remixed old ink and contracted with a private vendor to collect spent ink and chemical waste for recycling into road asphalt.
2005:
Converted to UV, vegetable-based, low-VOC inks and chemicals.
2006:
Created a free, national “Do Not Mail” list that allows people to opt out of receiving unsolicited catalogs, letters and postcards. DirectMail.com receives no compensation for providing this service.
2008:
Achieved Forest Stewardship Council certification, a designation conveying responsible consumption of forest products in production.
Switched from film-based plates to a computer-to-plate (CTP) system, at an equipment acquisition cost of over $200,000, to eliminate the use of film with heavy metals and developer and fixer chemicals. DirectMail.com recycles all aluminum CTP plates.
2009:
Acquired advanced sheeting and ganging technologies to maximize fit on every press run and minimize run time, energy use and paper waste.
Contracted with a private vendor to recycle computers, monitors, printers and other electronic equipment rather than dump in landfills.
Implemented an energy conservation plan that uses simple tactics, such as turning off all desktop computers, monitors and printers at the close of business; extinguishing office lights when not needed; using minimal after-hours lighting in production areas and hallways; and installing programmable thermostats, lighting system timers and energy-efficient bulbs.
Joined the EnerNoc network and is compensated for agreeing to shut down operations during peak energy demand periods to avoid construction of new power plants.
Don Burns, General Manager of DirectMail.com’s Cut Sheet Division, is one of several employees leading the firm’s environmental efforts. He says, “My primary concern is saving trees. Simple steps, such as our practice of encouraging customers to use recycled paper, can have a major impact. In one recent job, the customer’s choice of 1,700 lb of recycled versus virgin fiber paper translated to 8 trees saved, 24 lb of waterborne waste and 384 lb of solid waste not created, 3,466 gal of wastewater flow avoided, 755 lb of net greenhouse gases prevented and 5.8 million BTUs of energy not consumed, according to an environmental calculator.”
While DirectMail.com does not keep detailed statistics on all its green initiatives, the firm proudly releases the following 2009 data:
Over 500,000 individuals on DirectMail.com’s national Do Not Mail registry did not receive direct mail pieces, saving untold energy, trees and pollution
Recycled more than
1.4 million lb of paper and 167,000 lb of cardboard
24,000 lb of aluminum
55 gal of waste ink and other chemicals
8 skids of electronic equipment
Reduced monthly electricity usage by approximately 12.3%
Avoided over 4,900 lb of carbon dioxide emissions, according to EnerNoc, by agreeing to make available 3800 kW hours of energy. In addition, helped avoid local blackouts and stabilize energy rates.
DirectMail.com Principal Kirk Swain comments, “We strive always to be a good citizen of Calvert County, contributing to the well-being of residents while minimizing the environmental impact of our operations as much as possible. These data indicate our efforts are having a measurable impact that adds to the overall quality of life in the county and the nation as a whole.”
About DirectMail.com
DirectMail.com, headquartered in Prince Frederick, Md., is a leading provider of integrated direct marketing solutions. For 40 years, DirectMail.com’s unique Identify…Target…Contact…Acquire…Engage…Retain approach has maximized ROI for nonprofits and businesses nationwide. GeoSelector, a patented data analysis and market intelligence product, promotes intelligent connections with prospects and customers across multiple channels for increased response. DirectMail.com’s full range of services includes state-of-the-art in-house production capabilities with capacity for up to 3 million pieces per day by a staff of over 250 direct marketing professionals. For more information about DirectMail.com, please visit our Web site at www.DirectMail.com or call 1-888-690-2252.
