Green has a Ripple Effect at OSP

OSP’s green program is dedicated to bringing an intentional awareness of the environment to OSP - including employees, & customers. In turn, this is creating endless opportunities to reduce, recycle and reuse. Being aware of the environment is contagious and those opportunities are continually showing themselves at OSP.

OSP’s green efforts began in 1995 when OSP initiated their first recycling program. Since then, a number of efforts and initiatives have taken off, including FSC certification in 2006. OSP began looking at FSC to respond to customers requests. FSC is an independent, not-for-profit organization made up of social, environmental and business concerns. It is the benchmark for forestry management in terms of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. It is the only standard endorsed by leading environmental group (Rainforest Alliance & WWF).

OSP introduced additional green programs and processes by first reaching out to the employees to find someone who was passionate about it, knowing that passion will lead to transformational efforts and even greater involvement across the organization. As a result, OSP now tracks the number of trees they are saving and the amount of waste ink and oil that is re-used. By changing their inks last year OSP reduced the amount of chemicals in their water by 33% and saw a 10% reduction in water usage. Even OSP’s light bulbs are shipped to reprocessing plants where they are disassembled, separated and recycled for other parts. OSP recently engaged in a wind power effort. They started by purchasing wind energy or “green power” credits from their local energy supplier and now other manufacturers can do the same. OSP has even translated their green practices into their building expansion through the use of Xelorator hand dryers that are LEED approved and reduce waste along with being energy efficient. Next week OSP is introducing a dry ice machine to clean the presses; this will reduce the chemicals used as well as be more ergonomically correct for the user.

OSP’s efforts are having a ripple effect on customers too. One example is that some of OSP’s house stock is both FSC and recycled. It helps the customer be more environmentally-conscious at a fair price point. OSP is leading by example — they are in the process of changing out their stationary to be FSC and recycled. Later this spring OSP is introducing an awareness mailing campaign through a series of three postcards; they will be focused on water, air and land. The postcards will highlight OSP’s environmental efforts. The final piece will be a small stitched book offering a free organic tee-shirt. OSP is using this campaign, along with customer meetings and presentations to provide leadership of green and sustainability efforts. OSP’s efforts are contagious among employees as well, including new green initiatives in the company and in their lives outside of work. It is obvious sustainability is more than a passing fad — it is an integrated part of OSP’s business, employees and customers.