Recycle and Save
Nov. 15-21

Bring a rechargeable battery or select portable electronic device (cell phone, laptop, iPod...) for free recycling. Get 20% off that day's purchase and another 20% discount next time you visit.

2064 4th St., San Rafael
(415) 455-9221

Reducing Paper Waste
Saving Trees, Water and Dollars 

Our country is one of the largest consumers of paper

MSS staff sorts paper for recycling

in the world, at more than 748 pounds per person annually. The average American office worker uses more than 10,000 sheets of printing and copying paper each year.

Harvesting and processing trees for paper production, and disposing of paper waste by incineration or landfill have high environmental and financial costs. So reducing paper usage in your office, and making sure it all gets recycled, has substantial benefits. Here's how to get started.

How to Reduce and Reuse

Ways to Increase Recycling

• Train all employees how to recycle paper and place easily accessible bins by each printer and photocopier.
• Post signs in centralized areas and next to recycling bins that show staff what can and cannot be recycled.
• Instruct all custodians on how to properly collect paper and cardboard for curbside collection.
• Shift heavy cardboard out of garbage bins and into recycling, which often reduces your disposal costs.
• Pack shredded material in taped paper bags or use Marin Sanitary Service's shredding service that goes straight to recycling.

Remember, a sound paper policy is built on three basic principles -- using less, recycling and buying environmentally preferable paper (chlorine-free and with as much recycled content as possible). Your actions make a difference -- in the environment and in your bottom line. Find out more about the benefits of increased recycling with a free consultation from Marin Sanitary.

by Rosella Rhine, City of San Rafael


According to the book The Cultural Creatives: How Fifty Million People Are Changing the World, more than 70% of the world's population believe something must be done about the environmental dangers facing our planet.

Many in the San Rafael business community have already started, by joining the San Rafael Clean Campaign and taking its Business Partner Pledge. Studies show that environmentally focused
initiatives and corporate social responsibility programs like this not only enhance a business's image, but also
improve employee morale and decrease turnover.

The Pledge is a simple way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to a clean environment and increase customer satisfaction. Andree Jansheski of Bellam Self Storage and Boxes, a San Rafael Clean Business Partner, says, "My customers have told me they appreciate the clean, tidy appearance of my property, which I feel keeps them coming back."

By taking the Pledge, more than 127 local businesses have committed themselves to:

1. pick up debris from their areas
2. offer adequate trash and recycling bins
3. educate their employees
4. follow all city codes
5. acknowledge their participation as a Clean Business to their employees and customers
   

San Rafael Clean has found that avoiding grandiose plans and starting with small efforts are keys to success. For example, by simply putting a trash can outside the
front door, customers and passersby have a place to stash their trash. Placing a cigarette receptacle outside the employee entrance reduces cigarette butts on the
ground.

San Rafael businesses have made tremendous strides in demonstrating their commitment to the world around them, while presenting more inviting storefronts to potential customers.

Get more information or sign up (no fee to join!) at www.SanRafaelClean.org.