We promote the use of 100% recycled content papers in our shop, with a focus on post-consumer recycled content. A number of our papers also contain FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified fiber, which is paper fiber harvested from sustainably managed forests. Tree free fibers such as kenaf, hemp and bamboo are also positive options as we try to reduce our use of virgin paper fibers and save shrinking landfill space.

We use locally manufactured soy based inks. Unlike traditional offset printing inks which use petroleum derived oils as their base, our inks rely on oil from the trusty soybean. Soy plants are a sustainable, renewable resource that can be grown right here in the USA. These inks have much lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels than petro-based inks, reducing airborne pollutants. Plus, paper printed with soy inks is more easily recycled.

Printing companies use a range of solvents and solutions for press operation and clean up. These chemicals often contain high levels of VOCs, other toxic compounds, and usually are very smelly (not to mention hazardous to your health). We've chosen to use a low VOC, water miscible blanket wash for press clean up, alcohol free dampening systems, and biodegradable plate developer.

We have opted to be a "Green Source" customer with our local electric company - Portland General Electric. This means that 100% of our electric bill supports energy from renewable resources.