Reprographers such as Rapids Reproductions and their customers use and process tons of large format paper every year. We need to be aware of where these resources are coming from and what happens to them when we’re done with them. We also need to look at alternatives to the way we have always done things, such as digital documents versus paper. However digital is not without an environmental impact. Paper is a renewable resource, while fossil fuels that power the millions of servers on the internet are not. Data centers might surpass airlines in pollution according to a recent study estimating the CO2 emissions of data centers. Environmental experts also warn of an e-waste epidemic as we discard our computers and peripherals. “Green” is often a gray area and let’s face it everything has environmental consequences. So what can Rapids and its clients do to reduce their impact on the environment? We can start with using recycled papers or Chain of Custody certified papers and of course recycle our own waste. Use office equipment that has low power consumption and emissions, and uses environmentally responsible materials and parts. Start with a goal to at least do something and grow from there.

How Rapids can help you reduce your company’s impact on the environment

• Recycled Paper – We sell both Xerox and Oce brand recycled paper
  • Contains 30% post consumer waste.
  • Paper cores made from 100% recycled corrugated containers.
  • Uses 60% less energy to produce.
  • One ton of recycled paper saves 4,000 KWH of energy, 7,000 gallons of water and 17 trees.
  • Available for your print jobs run by our Reprographics department.
• Xerox Paper
  • Chain of Custody Certification enabling FSC and PEFC certified paper offerings.
  • Strict environmental standards for paper suppliers.
  • Support of Sustainable Forest practices via partnership with the Nature Conservancy.
• Xerox Equipment
  • Power Management. Automatic power saver modes are available on all products.
  • ISO 14001 Standards. Products are manufactured using ISO 140001 Environmental Management standards.
  • All equipment will work with recycled paper.
  • Toner Safety. Dry toners are non-toxic and do not generate hazardous waste.
  • Low machine emissions. Ozone, dust and volatile organic compounds produced by the equipment are well below global regulatory requirements.
  • Organic Photoreceptors. All wide format equipment features organic photoreceptors.
  • Automatic image rotation and media selection ensure minimal paper waste.
  • Product take back. Spent parts and products returned are responsibly disposed of with a goal of zero waste to landfills.
• Online Planroom – Our electronic distribution of plans and specs
  • Saves fuel, paper and time.
• Online Accounting – View invoices, account balances and pay online
  • Saves paper, fuel and time.
• Being members of the U.S. Green Building Council
  • As members, we support their initiatives and keep up to date with the latest technology and techniques.