Environmental Statement
Amber Lotus has been practicing environmental stewardship since 1988, and this year we continue our efforts to engage in the most responsible business practices possible. In 2008 we began printing the interior pages of our calendars on 100% recycled paper, with 50% post-consumer waste, processed chlorine free and using soy-based inks. Since the paper contains fiber from magazines that were printed but not sold, according to US EPA standards it cannot be considered 100% post-consumer waste. According to the International Standards Organization (ISO), standards used by the rest of the world, this paper is classified as 100% recycled with 100% post-consumer waste recycled content. While it costs more to use this paper, we feel the long-term benefits to our global community outweigh any short-term financial concerns. Erin Johnson from Green Press Initiative called this decision “an unparalleled example of leadership.”
The estimated benefit of using this paper over the last four years is that it has saved:
6481 trees
2,479,693 gallons of water
4,016 million BTU’s of energy
700,509 pounds of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases
350,308 pounds of solid waste
Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator (www.papercalculator.org).
In addition to printing on recycled paper and using soy-based inks, in 2004 we began offsetting the trees used in our publishing program by planting at least two trees for each one consumed (through contributions to American Forests). We also offset the carbon dioxide emissions associated with our operations through contributions to NativeEnergy’s Wind Builders Business Partner program, which funds the construction of wind turbines on the Rosebud Sioux reservation. We will continue to support these programs at the same or higher levels even though the adoption of this 100% PCW paper significantly reduces our environmental impact.
Amber Lotus was started by people who knew that making money was not the only interest to be served in business. And while the company is no longer a non-profit it still operates under the principles of right livelihood upon which it was founded. We continue to take steps not only to reduce the environmental impact of our business, but to offset that impact as well. In 2009 and 2008 we planted 100,000 trees in our efforts to give something back to the planet and to future generations.
Amber Lotus is a member of the Co-op America Business Network and is certified as a “green business,” and is a member of the Green Press Initiative, an organization dedicated to increasing the use of recycled paper in the publishing industry. Amber Lotus was one of the first publishers to sign on with Green Press Initiative.
