Here’s one way a small operation can do something rather basic to develop a green image: Purchase copy payer that contains high-percentage recycled content.

How to do this? Work with suppliers who adopt sustainable forestry standards promoted by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

How to tell: They label their products and services with the FSC Certified Paper logo.

Two more major U.S. companies, Kimberly-Clark and Staples, have recently signed up to purchase only FSC Certified Paper.

Staples has just signed an agreement with the Rainforest Alliance and its SmartSource program to help the retailer reduce its environmental and social footprints. The Alliance certifies sustainable farming and forestry practices for producing wood products (such as paper, pencils and furniture) to food and beverages.

Those who supply Staples with paper products will increasingly be encouraged to become green by purchasing forestry products that meet the Rainforest Alliance’s sustainability standards.

Staples says it prefers to work within its existing supply network rather than replace business partners. However, in 2008, it parted ways with its Singapore supplier, Asia Pulp & Paper, for failing to adopt sustainable operations.

All 1,550 Staples Copy & Print Centers use 50% FSC-recycled content paper for its high-speed, black-and-white copies. Other companies in the SmartSource program include:

• Coca Cola Co.
• Martin Guitar
• Anderson Hardwood Floors
• Ben & Jerry’s
• LL Bean
• Unilver, and
• Kraft.

Kimberly-Clark recently announced that it would adopt FSC’s chain-of-custody certification for its entire line of away-from-home tissue and towel products.

Tags: Kimberly-Clark, Rainforest Alliance, recycled paper, SmartSource, Staples