Certification Standards

Required:

• Business core purpose includes a “green” business function.

• Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on website.

Preferred:

• Banking with a community development, minority, or socially & environmentally responsible bank or credit union.

• Protocols in place (e.g., trainings, HR policies, support group(s), statement of commitment, accountability mechanisms, etc.) that advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) within the company.

Required:

• Products composed of at least 30% pre- or post-consumer recycled fiber.

• All virgin fiber is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified (Note that Green America does not view the Scientific Forestry Initiative as a valid certification for products or processes).

• Use of at least 80% vegetable- or water-based inks.

• Exclusive use of paper with low-VOC coatings, and water-miscible, low-VOC solvents.

• No chlorine or chlorine compounds used in bleaching process.

• Responsible environmental management/procurement policy or practices for all waste materials and manufacturing and printing processes.

Preferred:

• Products composed of 80-100% pre- or post-consumer recycled fiber.

• Use of 100% vegetable- or water-based inks.

• Exclusive use of uncoated paper or paper with zero-VOC coatings.

Required:

• Employees have access to family friendly benefits including high-quality health insurance, sick days, paid parental leave and childcare help.

• Offer a flexible workplace culture that encourages work/life balance and makes reasonable accommodations for telecommuting and flex schedules.

• Pays a wage that ensures employees well-being.

• Has an established non-discrimination policy and procedure, and ensures an inclusive workplace culture.

• Governs fairly and in a transparent manner. Is open to employee input. Has a whistle blower protection policy in place.

Preferred:

• Living wage is paid.

• Has an established program that invests in employee growth and development.

Required:

• Educates consumers on how to properly dispose of product at end of life-cycle (if applicable).

• Use transparent and truthful marketing.

• Advocate for green business practices in the packaging industry.

• Established program for receiving input from both internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Established take back program for end of product life-cycle.

• Actively seeks feedback from industry peers and participates in industry associations and mentor programs.

Required:

• HVAC system well-maintained, building well-insulated, and smart and efficient climate control employed.

• System in place for reducing electricity consumption from lighting and electronics.

• Use of Energy Star rated appliances and CFL/LED light bulbs in office.

• Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials.

• Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double sided printing as the default, and more.

• Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products.

• Maximum amount of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges.

•  Action on clean energy such as purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or use of on-site clean energy.

• Compost all food waste.

• Landscaping done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.

• Only fair trade and USDA certified organic coffee and tea served in the office.

• Use of green or local caterers for events.

• Use of a certified E-Steward for electronics recycling.

• Proper disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, motor oil, etc).

• Knowledge of recycling/composting guidelines at your local recycling/composting facility.