Going Green
I love the fact it is becoming common knowledge what businesses are truly green. It’s even nicer to know these businesses didn’t just have to pay a fee to be listed but they actually made green changes in their business practices. I am proud to say we use a Green Printer! Congratulations Christie Print!
October 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige or Rick Mellinger, 218-722-2220
info@christieprint.comCHRISTIE PRINTING EARNS GREEN CERTIFICATION
Christie Printing Co., 4433 Venture Ave., Duluth, recently qualified for the Printing Industry of Minnesota’s Great Printer Environmental Initiative, a voluntary green certification that demonstrates a commitment to minimize the company’s impact on human health and the environment.
Among the 46 Minnesota printing companies that have earned the certification, Christie Printing is the only one in Northeastern Minnesota.
Printing Industry of Minnesota (PIM) Great Printers must first fulfill government regulatory agency requirements in environmental, health and safety compliance and then go beyond those requirements. They also are required to pass a PIM audit.
One of Christie Printing’s current projects is to convert to non-hazardous chemicals for cleaning its presses, eliminating the need for a Very Small Quantity Generator hazardous waste license from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The company also is working with the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District to dispose of all its outdated and unused chemicals.
"We want to be recognized as a sustainable green printer," said Paige Mellinger, who owns the company with her husband, Rick Mellinger.
Customers are increasingly interested in the steps that Christie Printing has taken to be environmentally friendly. The Mellingers, who have owned the company since 1995, have taken many such steps over the years, such as switching to renewable agriculturally based inks. Most of the company’s house stock is now recycled paper and/or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. It’s about making smarter choices they say.
The Mellingers chose a certification that would require them to take action and help the company achieve its green objectives. "Our goal wasn’t just to pay a fee and be certified," Paige said. "We wanted to be able to prove what we did."
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