Happy Earth Day, April 22

On Earth Day, April 22, the Postal Service has released its 2013 Annual Sustainability Report, demonstrating continued commitment to environmentally-responsible business practices.  The sixth-annual report highlights key achievements, including:

•       Reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 12 percent from FY2008 to FY2013
•       Remaining on track to achieve a 30 percent reduction in facility energy use by FY2015
•       Becoming a member of EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership
•       Recycling nearly 2.4 million pounds of e-waste
•       Releasing the 2014 Forever International stamp — Global: Sea Surface Temperatures,     featuring a visual representation of our planet’s sea surface temperatures. The image was created by a model of the Earth’s climate by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory.

The 2013 report details the expansion of the USPS BlueEarth brand, including two active services — the USPS BlueEarth Federal Recycling Program and USPS BlueEarth Carbon Accounting program for business mailers. These programs provide a business solution for customers while offering environmental benefits.

The report also highlights a sustainability challenge the Postal Service faces — transportation fuel use. An aging fleet and the need to service more delivery points increase fuel demand. Despite this challenge, USPS seeks new ways to reduce fuel consumption, and maintains a fleet of more than 42,000 alternative fuel vehicles.

The Postal Services continues to actively engage employees through sustainability initiatives. More than 1,300 “Lean Green” teams across the country implement low- or no-cost activities in their facilities, assisting in reducing the organization’s overall environmental impact.

According to Chief Sustainability Officer Thomas G. Day, these employees play an important role in sustainability success throughout the organization. 

“We take great pride in supporting and recognizing employees who create new opportunities for sustainability, and this year was no different,” Day said. “The efforts of our employees exemplify how sustainability actions are right for the environment — and our business.”

Visit usps.com/green and the USPS Green Newsroom to learn more about the Postal Service’s sustainability initiatives.

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In the South Florida District, sustainability is on the minds of employees throughout the year.  For example:

• The district recycles paper, cardboard, metal, and plastic.
• The Key West Post Office has 31 propane vehicles and a three-wheeled electric vehicle called a T3 with a 40-mile range, maximum speed of 12 mph, 450-pound weight capacity, and two cents a mile average in energy costs.  Miami Beach Post Office has 12 bicycle routes that reduce  emissions and save fuel.
• The South Florida L&DC is a showcase of resource conservation and innovation.  This environmentally-friendly facility uses energy efficient lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints; and low-water-use fixtures.  Native plant species are used in landscaping to minimize consumption of water and energy.
•  Employees at our Vehicle Maintenance Facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Miami, and West Palm Beach protect and preserve the environment.  They properly dispose of hazardous wastes that prevent contaminants from going into storm drains and participate in recycling programs for tires, coolants, and other automotive items.