“SGP facilities must have an active sustainability management system; an annual continuous improvement project; bi-annual environmental, safety, health and energy audits; implement mandatory best management practices; and complete the program’s required metrics forms.”
We’re proud to say that Shawmut is now SGP certified. This took an incredible amount of teamwork to be the first commercial printer in the state of Massachusetts to do so. Certified with no corrective actions, meaning we got an A+.
Amazing as this all is, this certification is not a goal to be checked off and onto the next. And it’s much more than a “green logo” to place on our website.
It’s a way of life.
A fun example of this is “water cooler talk” I overheard recently. Only it didn’t happen at a water cooler, it was at one of our recycling stations. Two Shawmut employees were reading the sign about
plastics
. Here’s a snapshot of their conversation:
Cool Guy A: “Had no idea plastics were numbered.”
Cool Guy B: “Right? Plastic is everywhere. We have to do something about it.”
Cool Guy A: “Recycling is a good start but I think I’m going to bring in my own reusable water bottle, better to not use plastic at all.”
Cool Guy B: “Great idea, me too!”
Implementing new sustainable behaviors affect more than just our bottom line. It changes a person’s perspective, heart and habits. These changes, whether big or small, are all significant not only because our company becomes better, it’s because WE become better people. And, more kind in the process.
Together the Shawmut team continues to put into practice these values of kindness and service. The breadth and diversity of our employees here is something special. We are a community. Each person contributing their own unique talents to the mosaic that is our Shawmut family.
We understand that sustainability is a continuous journey filled with lessons to learn.
That’s ok, we’re ready.