Washington State University’s printing facility has been awarded chain-of-custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, furthering the University’s commitment to the environment and sustainability. WSU is the first university in the nation to receive this certification.
The Forest Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization that encourages responsible management of the world’s forests and the products derived from those forests. The chain-of-custody certification provides assurance to consumers that the products they buy, marked with the FSC trademark, originated in forests that meet the FSC’s principles and criteria (including legal issues, indigenous and labor rights, and environmental impacts). FSC certification is growing world-wide.
Receiving this certification is one of several best practices University Publishing follows to ensure that the University’s printed pieces are produced in a responsible way. Other green practices include the use of soy-based inks, recycled papers, and solvents that are better for the environment and human health, and a robust waste management program.
“We’re the biggest user of paper products on campus,” explains Steve Rigby, director of printing, “so we feel it is important to strengthen our commitment to sustainable practices by seeking this certification. We will include the FSC trademark on printed pieces to demonstrate the University’s commitment to sustainability and responsible use of forest products.”
For more information, visit www.publishing.wsu.edu or www.fscus.org.
