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Salt Lake City, Utah 84102 Contact Number: 801-975-8229 For Immediate Release: 6/02/08 Datamark Reduces Its Mark on the Environment Going It Green“One of our goals at Datamark has always been working on improving our community,” said Tom Dearden, Datamark CEO. “Maximizing our potential for environmental improvement is a natural extension of that community-centered philosophy.” To empower employees to further internal eco-goals, an employee-led group called the Going Green Committee (GGC) was formed. “We hope to accomplish a greener, more environmentally friendly, and safer place to work,” said Eric Barkle, an Art Director who oversees the committee. “The employees love it, the board loves it, and our clients love it.” The idea for the GGC came in December as a result of a successful aluminum recycling fundraiser to donate toys to a children’s hospital. In February the committee was announced and Barkle got an immediate response from interested employees. “Usually committees only attract 5-10 people that want to join,” said Barkle. “But with this committee I had 35 people respond to my request to join in a single day. It’s been amazing ever since.” Since getting the green light, the GGC has lobbied management to affect several eco-friendly changes including monthly allowances for carpools, eliminating use of several non-renewable or non-biodegradable materials, and installing showers for bicycle commuters. Datamark, per GGC recommendations, has also embraced innovations in compostable eco-products. Styrofoam plates, cups and petroleum-based plastic utensils have been replaced with corn-base cutlery and cups. These “corn cups” are produced from Polylactide (PLA), a versatile polymer made from corn byproducts like lactic acid. Disposable corn dishware is identical to standard petroleum-based plastics, but it’s compostable and will biodegrade in weeks instead of years. Datamark is also seeking Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification. The SFI® program, launched in 1995, is the internationally recognized entity that sets standards and requirements for how forests and logging should be managed. SFI tracks log processing to guarantee that paper and other wood products were not produced from illegal logging. Jack Kemp, General Manager of Datamark’s Communication Delivery Center and in-house print facility, explains the importance of being SFI-certified. “SFI-certification is a validation of our commitment to sound environmentally-friendly business practices,” said Kemp. “It’s a substantive way to demonstrate our business ethics and values to our clients and affiliates.” Datamark’s standard conservation efforts have always included an aggressive recycling program, replacing energy inefficient equipment, and installing occupancy sensors on lights to reduce consumption and costs. Enacting eco-friendly policies doesn’t just make good eco sense, it makes good business cents. The National Association of Manufacturers reported in 2004 that reducing 20 percent of business consumption would save American businesses $19 billion annually in energy costs. Eric Barkle sees an added benefit. “Companies that have placed a focus on environmental responsibility have shown an increase in employee morale.” explains Barkle. “Getting the employees involved has been hugely positive. People are getting excited to participate, and that’s how it should be. Happy employees mean happy clients.” For further information, please contact Kelly Bingham, Marketing Communications Coordinator at Datamark, 801-975-8229 ext. 425 Datamark is the nation’s leading direct response ad agency exclusive to the college and proprietary schools segment of the education industry. Our research and technology-based marketing solutions help schools generate more starts while reducing marketing expenses associated with student acquisition. Our core competencies include direct response services in direct mail, print, TV and all interactive media. Additionally, Datamark provides integrated media management services, and custom research. |