Overview
With the Go Green First-Class Mail® Forever® commemorative stamps, the Postal Service™ seeks to raise awareness of simple actions everyone can take to conserve natural resources and promote the health of the environment. The stamps convey a positive message about easy low-cost and no-cost things everyone can do to have an immediate impact on the environment.
Concept
The Go Green stamps are:
n A visual reinforcement of the Postal Service’s position as a sustainability leader and innovator.
n Another vehicle for USPS® to communicate its sustainability leadership position to the public.
n Iconographic — a visual representation of America’s green movement and the Postal Service’s leadership in sustainability.
Key Messages
n The Postal Service is green, and the Go Green stamps will help America go green.
n The Postal Service has been environmentally friendly since the 1800s, and has issued the Go Green stamps to help Americans of any age, in every community, participate in simple low-cost and no-cost ways to go green.
n The Postal Service is the only mailing and shipping company in the world whose shipping supplies are Cradle to Cradle Certified, meeting established standards for human and environmental health and recyclability.
n USPS is issuing 27 billion Cradle to Cradle Certified postage products, including the Go Green stamps, which promote environmental awareness and action.
n A recognized sustainability leader and innovator, the Postal Service is becoming greener and decreasing its carbon footprint and has created the Go Green stamps to help raise Americans’ awareness so they can do the same.
Stamp Profile
The Go Green pane of 16 commemorative stamps is the Social Awareness stamp subject of 2011. They feature illustrations of simple low-cost and no-cost actions everyone can take to conserve natural resources and promote the health of our environment.
The Go Green stamps are being issued as Forever stamps. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate.
Artist Eli Noyes of San Francisco, California, gets the point across in a colorful and playful manner. The art shows both genders and a range of ages, from a small girl turning off a light switch to an adult choosing to walk instead of drive. It conveys a positive message: things everyone can do easily to have a positive impact on air quality and energy consumed.
Consider, for example, recycling — an action suggested on one of the stamps. Most people know recycling cans and bottles reduces the amount of waste at landfills. But how many know that it also saves energy equivalent to billions of gallons of gasoline every year and reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing millions of cars from the roads? That’s because making containers such as aluminum cans from raw rather than recycled materials is extremely energy-intensive and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the air.
Action items on other stamps include examples such as fixing a leaky faucet, which can save thousands of gallons of water per year, and installing the simplest insulation, like caulking or weather stripping, which can pay for itself in reduced utility bills within 1 year. In fact, insulating the home is one of the best things anyone can do for the environment since homes consume about a fifth of all energy used in the U.S. — more than cars or planes — and typically a third of this energy is wasted by escaping through cracks and poorly sealed areas.
Other actions featured on the stamps include adjusting thermostats, which can reduce utility bills by as much as 10 percent if turned down a few degrees in the winter and up during the summer, and planting a tree next to a home, which cuts cooling costs by providing shade during the summer and reduces winter heating costs by supplying a windbreak.
Many of the tips offered on these stamps — like turning out lights when leaving a room, or riding a bike instead of driving — are things people may be doing already. Others, like composting, may require more of a commitment. These stamps highlight how taking small steps such as the ones depicted here can add up to big savings in energy, resources, and costs.
If every person took one or more of these steps, imagine the positive impact on the environment and on the lives of future generations. Pitch in now and make a commitment to Go Green! The Postal Service is doing its part to go green by providing Cradle to Cradle Certified mailing and shipping supplies, which meet established standards for human and environmental health and recyclability.
First-Day-Of-Issue Information And Event Theme
On April 14, the Go Green stamps will be dedicated at an 11 a.m. (ET) ceremony at the Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School and adjoining Savoy Elementary School, Washington, DC, due to the schools’ Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)–certified gymnasium and the largest green garden in the Washington, DC, school system.
Event Theme
“The Postal Service is Delivering a Greener Tomorrow”
About The Stamps
1. Buy local produce, reuse bags.
2. Fix water leaks.
3. Share rides.
4. Turn off lights not in use.
5. Choose to walk.
6. GO GREEN — reduce our environmental footprint step by step.
7. Compost.
8. Let nature do the work.
9. Recycle more.
10. Ride a bike.
11. Plant trees.
12. Insulate the home.
13. Use public transportation.
14. Use efficient light bulbs.
15. Adjust the thermostat.
16. Maintain tire pressure.
n The First-Class Mail Forever commemorative stamps are called Go Green.
n Verso text:
Big environment. Big issues. Little you. If you feel as if there’s not much one person can do to make a positive impact on the environment, just take a look at these Go Green stamps. They illustrate simple things we each can do every day. With only a few small changes to the way we live.
Out of milk? Walk or bike to the store. Repair that drippy faucet — the noise was driving you crazy, anyway. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Put on a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat. Sun dry your sheets — they’ll smell wonderful!
Is it enough to make a difference? Absolutely. Recycling just one aluminum can reduces waste — and saves enough energy to run a computer for 3 hours. Multiply that by 10 — or 200 — cans. Simple insulation like caulking or weather stripping pays for itself with reduced utility bills within 1 year. Properly inflating your car tires improves gas mileage by as much as three percent. You’re not just saving the environment, you’re saving — period. Suddenly small steps seem pretty big.
Best of all, once you’ve started thinking — and acting — green, you’ll feel proud that you’ve been part of a big change. “Home” just got greener. Thanks to you.
The Postal Service is doing its part to go green by providing Cradle to Cradle Certified mailing and shipping supplies, which meet established standards for human and environmental health and recyclability.
n This is the 2011 Social Awareness stamp subject.
n The 44-cent stamps will be sold in panes of 16 for $7.04.
n 160 million stamps will be printed.
n A print run for commemorative stamps averages 65 million total stamps.
n These stamps continue a tradition for more than 50 years of the Postal Service bringing attention and awareness to serious social issues of the day…one letter at a time.
n Eli Noyes is the artist.
n Derry Noyes is the designer and art director.
Philatelic, Licensed, and Retail Products
All products will be available in The Postal Store®.
Philatelic
Nine philatelic products are available for this stamp issue:
Licensed
Six licensed products are available for this stamp issue:
Retail
One retail product is available for this stamp issue:
Advertising Promotion Plan
n 4/14 — Counter Card — “These are not just stamps. They’re 16 ways to help the planet.”
n 4/14 — Take One Cards — “Put your stamp on a greener tomorrow. Buy Go Green stamps today.”
n 4/14 — Promotional insert in all philatelic stamp orders sent from Kansas City.
n 4/14 — e-mail blast to 1.5 million existing opt-in customers.
[D]
Product Promotion Plan
n 3/24 — Go Green products page in The Postal Store on usps.com® will be live for pre-order sales.
n 4/14–5/31 — Counter cards and Take One cards will be available in all Post Offices.
n 4/14–5/31 — Banner on usps.com and in The Postal Store on usps.com will be live.
n 4/14–5/31 — Stamp Services www.beyondtheperf.com Go Green site will be live.
n 4/14–5/31 — Stamp Services www.stampproducts.com/Go Green site will be live.
n 4/14–5/31 — Stamp Services and Retail: Go Green philatelic and retail products will be featured as the “Retail Products of the Month” in 7,500 Post Offices and in The Postal Store on usps.com.
n 4/14 — www.usps.com/green Go Green site will be live with information and link to The Postal Store on www.usps.com.
n 4/14 — www.usps.com green newsroom will be live with Go Green stamp news.
Green newsroom address: www.usps.com/
communications/newsroom/greennews/
welcome.htm
n 4/18 — While supplies last: Recyclable Tote Bag featuring five Go Green stamps will be available in 7,500 Post Offices and in The Postal Store on usps.com.
n 5/16–5/29 — Go Green screensaver.
First Day of Issue Postmark Cancellation
There are two postmarks for this stamp:
The Postal Service must make all special postmarks known to collectors through advance publicity in the Postal Bulletin. Therefore, all special dedication cancellations must be reported to Stamp Services 2 weeks before events using PS Form 413, Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report. To obtain a copy of the form, go to http://blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/forms/ps413.pdf.
How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office facility, at The Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:
Go Green Stamp
Special Cancellations
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282
Stamp Promotion and Publicity Ideas
PR Strategies:
n Position Go Green stamps as a visual reinforcement of the Postal Service’s position as a sustainability leader and innovator.
n Position Go Green stamps as another way USPS communicates its sustainability leadership to the public.
n Position Go Green stamps as iconic of America’s green movement.
n Use media to help execute PR strategies.
Audiences:
n Consumers and families.
n Educators and school students.
n Nongovernmental organizations, federal agencies, and business organizations.
n Philatelists and environmentalists.
n Media and green bloggers (social media).
n State and local government officials.
n Employees.
Key Messages:
n The Postal Service is green, and the Go Green stamps will help America go green.
n The Postal Service has been environmentally friendly since the 1800s, and has issued the Go Green stamps to help Americans of any age, in every community, participate in simple low-cost and no-cost ways to go green.
n The Postal Service is the only mailing and shipping company in the world whose shipping supplies are Cradle to Cradle Certified, meeting established standards for human and environmental health and recyclability.
n USPS is issuing 27 billion Cradle to Cradle Certified postage products, including the Go Green stamps, which promote environmental awareness and action.
n A recognized sustainability leader and innovator, the Postal Service is becoming greener and decreasing its carbon footprint and has created the Go Green stamps to help raise Americans’ awareness so they can do the same.
Field Publicity Ideas:
n Plan and execute Earth Day/Go Green events at Post Offices across the country, including at LEED–certified facilities, to showcase USPS energy-efficient initiatives.
n LEED-certified facilities include:
n 8th Avenue Station, Fort Worth, Texas.
n Greenville, South Carolina, Mail Processing Facility.
n Eagan, Minnesota, Mail Processing Facility.
n Southampton, New York, Customer Service Facility.
n Morgan Mail Processing Facility, New York.
n Create district green fact sheets with area/district-centric statistics (provided by field Lean Green Teams) to share with media, local business organizations, and employees.
n Encourage student involvement — display environmental artwork in Post Office lobbies.
n Work with local scouting troops to offer/promote a scouting “Green Badge” for scouts achieving a number of the 16 Go Green stamp goals.
n Post Offices can host “Stamp of the Month” activities in concert with the monthly news release to garner local media attention beyond the first day of issue event.
n Create a news release aimed at business publications, college newspapers, and business beats.
n Create a local-use op-ed. Topic: USPS is a good, green neighbor.
n Create a local-use (weekly news, small market) release, on direct mail/environmental value (paper, list management).
n Create a local-use (weekly news, small market) release about recycling in Spanish.
n Create a speech for use with Postal Customer Council (PCC) or local civic groups.
Topic: USPS is a good, green neighbor (with downloadable presentation available on the USPS Intranet Blue).
n Create a high school-level classroom presentation. Topic: USPS is a good, green neighbor (with downloadable presentation available on Blue).
n Create grade school coloring sheets and lesson plans (available on Blue).
n Create a PCC Workshop-in-a-Box. Topic: Green up the Mail Center (best practices from PCC members).
n Partner with regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and nongovernmental organizations to host local events (see following lists).
Nongovernmental Organizations List
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are private organizations that pursue activities to, among other goals, protect the environment, or undertake community development. NGOs can be great partners with USPS to promote the Go Green stamps.
The following are NGOs (and a federal agency) specializing in activities depicted on the Go Green stamps:
Buy local produce/reuse bags
Local Harvest: www.localharvest.org/
Choose to walk
National Center for Bicycling and Walking:
www.bikewalk.org/
Clean Cities Partnership: www.energy.gov/
Recycle more
National Recycling Coalition: www.nrcrecycles.org/
Earth 911: http://earth911.com/
Use public transportation
American Public Transportation Association: www.apta.com/Pages/default.aspx
Clean Cities Partnership: www.energy.gov/
Fix water leaks
American Water Works Association: www.awwa.org
Reduce our environmental footprint
Cradle to Cradle Product Institute: www.c2ccertified.org/ (and for all Go Green stamps)
The Climate Registry: www.theclimateregistry.org/
Sierra Club: www.sierraclub.org/
Earth 911: http://earth911.com/
Ride a bike
Bicycle Transportation Alliance: www.bta4bikes.org/
National Center for Bicycling and Walking:
www.bikewalk.org/
Washington Area Bicyclist Association: www.waba.org/
Sierra Club: www.sierraclub.org/
Use efficient light bulbs
Alliance to Save Energy: http://ase.org/
Department of Energy: www.energy.gov/
Share rides
Reliable Rider: www.reliablerider.com/
Commuter Connections via MWCOG: www.mwcog.org/commuter2/index.html (Metro Washington, DC)
Compost
U.S. Composting Council: http://compostingcouncil.org/
Plant trees
Arbor Day Foundation: www.arborday.org/
American Forests: www.americanforests.org/
National Wildlife Federation: www.nwf.org
Adjust the thermostat
Alliance to Save Energy: http://ase.org/
Department of Energy: www.energy.gov/
Turn off lights not in use
Department of Energy: www.energy.gov/
Alliance to Save Energy: http://ase.org/
Let nature do the work
Alliance to Save Energy: http://ase.org/
Sierra Club: www.sierraclub.org/
Insulate the home
Alliance to Save Energy: http://ase.org/
Department of Energy: www.energy.gov/
Maintain tire pressure
Better World Club: www.betterworldclub.com
American Automobile Association: www.AAA.com
Sample NGO Invitation Letter
[Date]
[Name of Organization]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear Mr./Ms. [NAME]:
I/We would like to invite you to the stamp dedication for the U.S. Postal Service’s Go Green commemorative stamps. These new Forever® stamps are being issued to raise awareness of simple actions each of us can take — such as using public transportation — to conserve natural resources and promote the health of our environment.
The ceremony will take place at [Time] a.m., [Month], 2011 at:
[Name of Location]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
In addition to your attendance at the ceremony, we invite you to participate in other ways. The Go Green stamps will be available for purchase on April 14 at www.usps.com/green and we would appreciate your sharing this information with your membership. I have included a pre-issue image to give you an early look at one of the stamps.
The Go Green series has been selected as the Postal Service’s 2011 Social Awareness stamp. For more than half a century, the Postal Service™ has issued special stamps to help raise public awareness about important health and social issues.
I look forward to seeing you at the ceremony and discussing ways we can work together to raise awareness about the importance of using public transportation and other ways Americans can Go Green.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
# # #
Social Media Ideas For Local Events
n Discuss with teachers at the school where the event may take place and the possibility of students receiving extra credit if they tweet or blog about the event.
n Encourage a school science blog page for students to post their blog entries about the event.
n Invite local green personalities (i.e., local news anchors) who might attend and tweet about the event.
n Encourage placement of stamp images on NGO websites and in their newsletters, and encourage adding an event to their events calendar page.
n Pitch placement of stamp images on children’s pages or in special sections of local newspapers.
Green Online Publications And Blogs
n www.technorati.com/blogs/directory/green/
n www.green.autoblog.com/2010/01/27/proposals-would-give-u-s-postal-service-billions-to-electrify-f/
n www.green.autoblog.com
n www.gas2.org/2010/01/28/postal-service-could-get-2-billion-to-electrify-20000-vehicles/
n www.environmentalleader.com/2010/01/26/usps-may-get-electric-vehicles-sooner-rather-than-later/
n www.environmentalleader.com
n www.ecofriendlydaily.com/home/recycling/
n www.gogreennation.org/2010/01/postal-
service-to-test-electric-truck/
n www.aboutmyplanet.com/environment
n www.csmonitor.com
n www.grist.org
n www.earth2tech.com
n www.inhabitat.com
n www.greencongress.com
n http://planetgore.nationalreview.com/ (To pitch an article, just put a note in the body of the e-mail.)
n www.cleantechnica.com
n www.green.blogs.nytimes.com
n www.treehugger.com/
n www.ecohatchery.com
n www.mommybytes.com
n http://twitter.com/mommybytes
n www.environmentalgraffiti.com
Sample Social Media E-mail Invitation
Dear [Name]:
As a noted friend of the environment, you are invited to a social media event — the first day of issue ceremony of the dedication of the Go Green stamps on Thursday, April 14, at 11 a.m. at Thurgood Marshall Public Charter High School and Savoy Elementary School located at 2427 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020.
I have enclosed an image of the Go Green stamps, which conveys that the U.S. Postal Service® is a sustainability leader, and depicts easy low-cost and no-cost steps Americans can take to help the environment. I also am enclosing an article about the activities depicted on the stamps you may wish to share with your readers so everyone can do their part to help the environment.
Marshall and Savoy students may be blogging at this event, and will write letters to their parents pledging to do something at home to help their families become greener. A three-wheeled electric mail delivery vehicle will deliver a ceremonial tree sapling for planting, and a Postal Service representative will be there to collect students’ pledge letters to later be delivered in the mail to their homes.
We will have a special section reserved for bloggers.
If you plan to attend or have any questions, please let me know. I look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
# # #
EPA Information
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, will serve as honored guest at the Go Green first day of issue stamp dedication. This fact may facilitate local EPA participation when planning a local Go Green stamp event.
EPA Go Green Consumer Newsletter
www.epa.gov/green
EPA Regional Sites/Potential Event Locations
All 10 EPA regions across the country will be hosting Earth Day events on or about April 22. The plan is to display the Go Green Forever Stamps during at least one event per region. Corporate Communications field staff will coordinate with EPA regional staff to properly display the stamps during a brief ceremony at each regional event, which would involve the highest ranking Postal Service official and the regional EPA administrator. If agreed with EPA, the Postal Service may have a retail presence to sell Go Green Forever Stamps and other related philatelic products at each event. All 10 EPA regions have been contacted for a list of their scheduled events. The 10 EPA regions and the states and territories they cover are:
Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
Region 2 (NJ, NY, PR, USVI)
Region 3 (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV)
(Note: Region 3 has tentatively scheduled its Earth Day activity April 21 at EPA regional headquarters in Philadelphia. The regional administrator will preside.)
Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN)
Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI)
Region 6 (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX)
Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE)
Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY)
Region 9 (AZ, CA, HI, NV)
Region 10 (AK, ID, OR, WA)
Earth Day Observances
Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. While this first Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, the original national coordinator, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. April 22 corresponds to spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day.
Implement any of these ideas, combine them, or create others. Contact your local Corporate Communications and Government Relations representatives for assistance. Contact information is on the last page of this kit.
Post-Event Publicity Plan
Go Green — From FDOI to Public Consciousness
16 Months of Publicity
n Issue a news release each month promoting one of the 16 stamps and related activities of Post Offices, local businesses, and NGOs to help achieve a greener America. Discuss USPS actions and savings and how the environment is better as a result. Capture public imagination and encourage people to follow USPS’ green leadership to take simple steps, suggested in the stamps, which add up to significant savings and a greener America.
n Provide a series of articles about activities depicted on stamps for field use and placement in community newspapers.
Sample Article For Community Newspapers
With Go Green Stamps USPS Helps America Go Green
With the 16 Go Green stamps, the Postal Service™ celebrates its green leadership and raises awareness of easy low-cost and no-cost actions everyone can take to improve the environment.
Go Green stamps are Forever® stamps, always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® price.
Many of the tips offered on these stamps — turning out lights when leaving a room or riding a bike instead of driving — are things we may be doing already. Others, like composting, may require more of a commitment. No matter what we choose to do, it’s amazing how taking small steps such as the ones depicted in the stamps can add up to big savings in energy, resources and costs.
The Postal Service is doing its part by providing more than 27 billion Cradle to Cradle Certified mailing and shipping materials, stamps and stamp products, which meet established standards for human and environmental health and recyclability.
The 16 stamps depict the following:
1. Buy local produce, reuse bags.
2. Fix water leaks.
3. Share rides.
4. Turn off lights not in use.
5. Choose to walk.
6. GO GREEN — reduce our environmental footprint step by step.
7. Compost.
8. Let nature do the work.
9. Recycle more.
10. Ride a bike.
11. Plant trees.
12. Insulate the home.
13. Use public transportation.
14. Use efficient light bulbs.
15. Adjust the thermostat.
16. Maintain tire pressure.
Visit www.usps.com/green to order your Go Green postage stamps and products. If each of us took one or more of these steps, imagine the positive impact we could have on our environment and on the lives of future generations. Pitch in now and make a commitment to “Go Green!”
About Social Awareness Stamps
The Postal Service began issuing Social Awareness stamps in the 1950s. They have been issued on a regular basis since 1970 and have included a wide variety of social awareness subjects.
1980s
1990s
2000–Present
SAMPLE MEDIA ADVISORY
[Date] Contact: [Name]
[Phone Number]
first.last@usps.gov
usps.com/news
Postal Service Delivers a Greener America
Postage Stamps Highlight Easy Ways to Go Green
WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service® will unveil the 2011 Social Awareness stamp subject — Go Green
WHO: [Name, District Manager]
[Name, Postmaster, City]
WHEN: [Date and Time]
WHERE: [Location Address]
BACKGROUND: This sheet of stamps is part of the Postal Service’s long-term commitment to raising awareness of important social issues...one letter at a time.
The Go Green commemorative stamps demonstrate easy low-cost and no-cost ways to help the environment.
For information about Go Green stamps and products, visit www.usps.com/green.
For information about USPS® sustainability initiatives, visit www.usps.com/communications/
newsroom/greennews/welcome.htm.
# # #
A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service™ receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com®, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $67 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 29th in the 2010 Fortune 500. Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency six consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.
SAMPLE NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date] Contact: [Name]
[Phone Number]
first.last@usps.gov
usps.com/news
Postal Service Delivers a Greener America
Postage Stamps Highlight Easy Ways to Go Green
[City] — A recognized sustainability leader and innovator, the Postal Service™ continued a 50-year tradition today with the issuance of its latest Social Awareness stamp: Go Green. The sheet of Forever® stamps features 16 simple ways to make a positive impact on the environment.
“With the issuance of these stamps, the Postal Service is continuing its long, proud history of raising awareness of important social issues…one letter at a time,” said [Name and Title] “The iconic Go Green Forever stamps highlight easy low-cost and no-cost steps everyone can take to be greener, including sharing rides, turning off lights and recycling more.”
The Postal Service is the only mailing and shipping company in the world whose shipping supplies are Cradle to Cradle Certified, which meet established standards for human and environmental health and recyclability.
USPS® is issuing 27 billion Cradle to Cradle Certified postage products, including the Go Green stamps, which promote environmental awareness and action.
The Postal Service has been environmentally friendly since 1899 when it tested the first electric vehicle in Buffalo, New York. Today, three-wheel electric mail delivery vehicles deliver mail in Arizona, California and Florida, with zero gas emissions and at a cost of only 2 cents a mile to operate. Since 2005, USPS® has increased its use of alternative fuels 133 percent, and since 2003, has reduced its energy use 24 percent. Learn more about USPS sustainability initiatives at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/greennews/welcome.htm.
Activities highlighted on the Go Green stamps include:
1. Buying local produce, reusing bags.
2. Fixing water leaks.
3. Sharing rides.
4. Turning off lights not in use.
5. Choosing to walk.
6. Reducing our environmental footprint, GOING GREEN step by step.
7. Composting.
8. Letting nature do the work by drying laundry on a clothesline.
9. Recycling more.
10. Riding a bike.
11. Planting trees.
12. Insulating the home.
13. Using public transportation.
14. Using efficient light bulbs.
15. Adjusting the thermostat.
16. Maintaining tire pressure.
The Postal Service is becoming greener and continues to decrease its carbon footprint. The Go Green stamps will raise awareness about helping the environment, so anyone can participate and do the same.
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ facility, at The Postal Store® website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:
Go Green Stamp
Special Cancellations
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282
After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by June 14, 2011.
How to Order First-Day Covers
Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic Catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:
Information Fulfillment
Dept. 6270
U.S. Postal Service
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
Philatelic Products
Nine philatelic products are available for this stamp issue:
n 467062* First-Day Cover Full Pane, $9.54.
n 467063* First-Day Cover Set of 16, $14.08.
n 467064* First-Day Cancelled Full Pane, $9.54.
n 467066 Seeded Oversized Postcard, Set of 4, $8.95.
n 467068* Digital Color Postmark Set of 16, $25.60.
n 467071 Family Activity Kit, $16.95.
n 467084 Uncut Press Sheet, $63.36.
n 467091* Ceremony Program, $6.95.
n 467099 Keepsake (Random DCP & Pane of 16), $8.95.
Items with an asterisk (*) will use the 128 barcode from Stamp Fulfillment Services. All other philatelic products will continue to use barcode series A, with the exception of the Yearbook and the Guide Book.
To purchase Go Green stamps and philatelic, licensed and retail products, visit www.usps.com/green.
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Please note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/news.
A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service® is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $67 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 29th in the 2010 Fortune 500. Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency six consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.
Corporate Communications Contacts
For assistance promoting these stamps, contact the individuals below:
Government Relations Contacts
For assistance reaching out to elected state officials, contact the appropriate individuals below. Use 202-268- before each extension.
— Public Relations,
Corporate Communications, 3-24-11
