Postal service packaging leads way in recycling
What could be better than “free and environmentally friendly?” Express Mail and Priority Mail packages and envelopes-available to postal customers free of charge-are now 100 percent recyclable. Decals, labels, examining inks, tapes and adhesives from the Postal Service are recyclable, too.
As a result, the Postal Service not only exceeds governmental standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it is also the only mailing or shipping company to earn silver-level “Cradle to Cradle” Certification from McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry for human and environmental health.
One hundred percent recyclable products save natural resources and prevent climate-changing gases from being released into the atmosphere. For example, the recycled content of the more than 500 million Express Mail and Priority Mail packages and envelopes the Postal Service provides its customers each year saves more than 15,000 metric tons of carbon equivalent emissions each year.
Cradle to Cradle-certified envelopes, packages and mailing supplies are available in Post Offices across the country and online at www.usps.com/business.
The Postal Service is a global leader in environmental initiatives. To learn more, go to www.usps.com/communications/communityenvironmental.htm.
For more information about purchasing stamps, stamps by mail, postal regulations, a free subscription to USA Philatelic magazine, Post Office events, the location of the nearest postal store or contract unit, or for answers to your specific Postal Service questions, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777, or visit www.usps.com. To schedule a presentation for your community, club or group on how the Postal Service brings the Post Office to your home or office computer, call 239-573-9638.
Mr. Zip’s Tip: The White House Closing the Circle Award recognizes outstanding environmental achievements of federal employees and their facilities. The Postal Service has received 39 awards since the program began in 1996.
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.