When you choose Educational Data Systems, you’re making a choice for the environment. In fall 2002, we completed a two-year effort leading to our official Green Business Certification through the Santa Clara County Pollution Prevention Program office. The process included audits of energy and water consumption, waste production and pollution sources, as well as a commitment to correct problem areas and adjust business practices for the betterment of the environment.

A "Green Committee" of employees from throughout the company meets periodically to consider how we might continue to lighten our environmental footprint.

Some of our Green practices include:

• Using only environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaners and soaps
• Printing on both sides of paper and recycling and using backs of junk faxes
• Recycling junk mail, bottles & cans, office paper, and a high volume of secure test materials
• Turning off computers, printers, copiers and other machinery when not in use
• Using sprinkler timers and heat tolerant landscape plants
• Including Green topics and tips, and discussing Green practices at regular staff meetings, and encouraging staff to participate in and adopt Green practices
• Buying recycled paper products including paper towels, toilet paper, and copier paper
• Using Integrated Pest Control Management with least-toxic methods in and around the building
• Turning up the cool and turning down the warm settings on thermostats
• Installing automatic sensors on office and parking lot lights
• Installing energy efficient ballasts and fluorescent bulbs in office areas
• Installing energy-efficient heating and ventilation systems in warehouse areas
• Instituting a drop-off service to allow employees to recycle exhausted batteries

We encourage our friends, business colleagues, and our competitors to adopt as many Green practices as possible—and we’d love to hear from you if you have ideas for how we can improve our efforts.