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 Void Fill—The vast majority of packaging materials used as void fill in Carolina's shipping boxes are recyclable, biodegradable, and reusable. From kraft paper with post consumer recycled fiber to recyclable plastic air packs to our trademark grain-based packing pellets (PuffNs®), these packaging materials are environmentally responsible while they protect products in transit. Shipping Containers Cardboard—Carolina ships the greater part of customers' orders in cardboard boxes that are made of post-consumer recycled materials. Cardboard boxes from in-bound shipments to Carolina's facilities are either reused or collected and hauled to a cardboard center where they are processed and baled for mill consumption. Carolina recently adopted rigid, recyclable cardboard containers for its newest kit program, Inquiries in Science®.  Foam—Orders for some temperature-sensitive, perishable products may require the insulation and water-resistant qualities of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) containers. Carolina uses only EPS containers that are 100% fully recyclable and reusable. They contain no chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and are manufactured using recycled and virgin bead materials. The blowing agent used to manufacture EPS is pentane gas, which is totally free of CFCs and unrelated to the CFC/ozone controversy. EPS is not Styrofoam® (a Dow Chemical Company trademarked product); EPS and Styrofoam® have 2 completely different manufacturing processes. Plastic—For kit programs and preserved specimens, Carolina uses sturdy, reusable plastic containers that meet the necessary transit requirements of the products and longterm storage needs of customers. Collapsible plastic bulk boxes are continually reused as shipping containers for materials at company trade exhibitions and shows. Operations Heating and Air—Carolina has installed programmable, PC-based controlled thermostats in many of its facilities. They maximize energy efficiency by constantly adjusting the ratio of outside and re-circulated air, limiting temperature adjustments, and only running at certain times and days. Large (24′) high-volume, low-speed overhead warehouse fans are used in Carolina's central fulfillment area, which provide worker comfort and all-season energy savings. Rapid-roll doors that safely control an area's temperature and airflow have also been installed in several high-traffic areas. Lighting—Carolina currently is replacing magnetic lighting ballasts and older T-12 fluorescent lights with energy-efficient electronic ballasts and T-8 fluorescent lights. Also, overhead halogen bulbs are being replaced by cooler, more energy-efficient fluorescent lights. Living Materials—Carolina cultures many of its own living materials instead of collecting them from natural habitats. We grow our own genetic corn, butterflies, algae, protists, and fungi, plus we have partnerships with many other licensed culturists. Some protozoa have been in continuous culture for over 60 years. Other organisms come from natural or managed man-made habitats where seasonal, environmentally sound collections are made. Machinery Fluids—All used motor oil from company equipment is collected when pumped out and recycled (re-refined) into base stock for lubricating oil. Paper—Carolina uses recyclable copy paper that meets the sourcing requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Recycled tissue that meets EPA standards goes into all dispensed paper products. Printers—Carolina recycles all company printer and fax toner cartridges.  Recycling—Carolina uses a single-stream (multi-material) recycling program that accepts all office and production paper (including newspapers, magazines, and file folders), plastic, glass, and aluminum. Collection services haul these materials to recycling centers where they are processed and reintroduced into their markets. Used corrugated cardboard is taken to a processing center where it is baled for mill consumption. Carolina also recycles its surplus wooden pallets, which are either reconditioned for resale or ground up for landscaping mulch. Reuse—Many departments in Carolina reuse cardboard and plastic boxes, EPS foam containers, and packaging material for shipments, storage, and internal transfers. Many glass and plastic dishes and bottles are autoclaved and reused in our culturing department. Wooden pallets are continually reused with large freight orders. Transport—Carolina employs at all locations a fleet of energy-efficient electric vehicles to facilitate the transport needs of everyday distribution, maintenance, information systems, waste collection, and other operations. Water and Grounds—Carolina uses pure, untreated, on-site spring water to hold and culture our aquatic living organisms. Much of this water is returned directly to the environment in its natural state. Water not returned directly to the environment is discharged to the municipal sanitary sewer system for pretreatment. Carolina has implemented several waste minimization and pollution prevention strategies that are regularly reviewed and revised. For example, Carolina's microscope slide department recycles xylene and ethanol by refining these chemicals on site. The company generates very little chemical or hazardous waste and takes great care in ensuring that all wastes are properly disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Carolina also exercises stringent spill containment measures and accountable safety practices that protect our employees, our customers, our facilities, and the environment. Publications Text pages of the Carolina™ Science catalog are printed on 10% recycled paper. Text pages of the company's supplemental catalogs are printed on 20% recycled paper, which maintains the integrity and quality of the paper. Electronic Business Carolina employs a wide array of electronic business technologies that efficiently and effectively communicate with our business partners while conserving paper and energy. In addition, our Web site allows customers to access their order status, account history, product care instructions, and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets). Carolina donates its used electronic equipment (computers, monitors, keyboards, etc.) for reuse in local schools, churches, Goodwill Industries stores, and other needy organizations. Green Chemistry Green chemistry refers to a set of principles with a new perspective on the use of chemicals—that of minimizing the hazardous substances used in or that result from chemical processes. The “12 Principles of Green Chemistry” are posted (with permission from Oxford University Press) on our Web site, www.carolina.com. Carolina also provides suggestions about the classroom use of chemicals and identifies products consistent with the principles of green chemistry. | ||
