DPMG Ron Stroman addresses HQ Earth Day Celebration.
Have you ever wondered where you could find the best ideas for making the USPS® the “Greenest” organization on the planet? The answer can be found in the annual Green Survey of Postal Service™ employees. Extensive scientific research confirms the “wisdom of crowds” in predicting the right answers to tough questions. When it comes to sustainability challenges, Postal Service employees are the experts, and the 2013 Green Survey reflects their sustainability wisdom.
A total of 12,001 employees, who represented all 67 districts, participated in the 2013 Green Survey. The purpose was to expand adoption of green practices, capture feedback on how to be a more sustainable organization, and invite volunteers to step up as green champions in their facilities. More than 3,337 suggestions were submitted, and 1,134 persons expressed interest in joining green teams. Two thirds of surveyed employees felt that efforts to adopt green practices are always or usually supported in their workplace. The remaining third didn’t feel they were supported, so we still have work to do!
Results indicated that 72 percent of respondents recycle mixed paper and more than half (60 percent) recycle cardboard. The survey also indicated a high percentage of employees recycle ink and toner cartridges (67 percent), aluminum (53 percent), and shrink wrap (26 percent). This feedback is also reflected in the performance numbers. In 2012, the Postal Service generated $23.8 million in revenue from recycling, and reduced the cost of hauling waste to landfills by an estimated $25.7 million (see 2012 Annual Sustainability Report). Employees play a vital role in promoting recycling as well as conservation of energy, water, consumable materials, and fuel.
Would you like to learn new ways to “green” the Postal Service? Look at the innovative ideas suggested by those who took the 2012 Green Survey. For more detailed information about the 2013 Green Survey Results, go to http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/green-survey-2013.htm. You can even filter the data for your particular district and view local suggestions for putting your stamp on a greener tomorrow.
Implement low cost/no cost green initiatives and learn about your district’s recycling performance through the following links:
n Green Teams: http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/greenteams.htm .
n Toner Recycling: http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/services/escmc/tonerlabels.htm.
n Recycling Revenue: http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/recycling_economics.htm
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— Corporate Sustainability Initiatives,
Office of Sustainability, 8-8-13
