The Challenge of Sustainability

image of the green roof in new york city.

We’re greener than you think. From recycling, to energy conservation, to measuring greenhouse gas emissions, we’re leading by example when it comes to working green. We have an Office of Sustainability leading our efforts as we build a conservation culture and promote environment-friendly business practices throughout the organization.

The challenge is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future, and we’re up to the challenge. We’re proving our commitment to sustainability in many ways.

We’re the only shipping company that has earned Cradle-to-Cradle certification for the environmentally friendly design and manufacturing of our shipping boxes and envelopes.

We recycle more than 1 million tons of paper, plastic and other materials each year, and we use recycled products.

The Postal Service operates the nation’s largest alternative fuel–capable fleet, with vehicles powered by electricity, compressed natural gas, propane, hydrogen fuel cells, ethanol and biodiesel. And, of course, walking a route is about as green as you can deliver for America.

We’ve got green lobbies and roofs, and we’re building green Post Offices. We’re optimizing energy use across the organization. Our goal is to reduce energy use 30 percent by 2015.

And we encourage our customers, suppliers and business partners to make environmentally friendly choices and adopt sustainable business practices by reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Postal Service is a recognized leader for its environmental stewardship. We know that what’s good for the planet is also good for our business. Our business can only benefit by doing what’s right for future generations.