FAQs

What data collection is needed during an ecowise^SM assessment?

Data collection consists of three areas: upstream processes, on-site processes and downstream process. Examples include:

Upstream

• Forest Management and Transportation
• Paper Manufacturing
• Insert and Envelope Manufacture and Printing
• Transportation

On-Site

• Data Processing and Mailpiece Creation
• Printing
• Inserting
• Sorting

Downstream

• Transport to Presort Facility
• Transport to Postal Facilities
• Sorting to Final Destination
• Delivery to Customer

What are some typical opportunities for carbon reduction in the mailstream?

There are numerous opportunities for reducing your company’s carbon footprint for its mailstream. These include:

• Energy Sourcing and Selection
• Paper Manufacturing and Recycled Content
• Transportation Modes and Distances
• Data Management
• Forms Creation
• Mail Creation
• Print Content and Location
• Address Management
• Mail Processing Efficiencies
• Client Targeting
• End of Life Disposition

What is sustainability?

In the truest sense, sustainability means “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” It is typically measured through the Triple Bottom Line of Economic Excellence, Social Accountability and Environmental Responsibility. For companies, the Environmental Responsibility Component can mean:

• Clean Energy
• Emissions Reduction
• Energy Efficient
• Reduced Carbon Footprint
• Waste Reduction
• Renewable Resources
• Recycling/Reuse
• Life Cycle Impact
• Produced Locally
• Natural Resource Conservation
• Stewardship
• Risk Mitigation

What is a carbon footprint or carbon profile?*

Carbon footprint, also named carbon profile, is the overall amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (e.g. methane, laughing gas, etc.) associated with a product or activity, along its supply-chain, use and end-of-life recovery and disposal.

The carbon footprint is a sub-set of the data covered by a more complete Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).  LCA is an internationally standardized method (ISO 14040, ISO 14044) for the evaluation of the environmental burdens and resources consumed along the life cycle of products; from the extraction of raw materials, the manufacture of goods, their use by final consumers or for the provision of a service, recycling, energy recovery and ultimate disposal.  In essence, a carbon footprint is a life cycle assessment with the analysis limited to emissions that have an effect on climate change.

What is the environmental benefit of using recycled paper?

Direct Mail compromises 2% of the total US municipal waste stream. In general 39% of direct mail is recovered for reuse. The eco benefits of using recycled fiber instead of virgin content is:

• Reduces energy content by up to 44%
• Reduces waste water by 41%
• Reduces Solid waste by 49%
• Supports sustainable forestry

* reference: 2007, European Commission publication “Carbon Footprint – what it is and how to measure it”