This website is a first in the nation partnership between a non-profit conservation organization and phone book publishers. It is a clear sign of our joint commitment to consumer choice and environmental protection. To create Don’t Trash the Phone Book, Conservation Minnesota has partnered with the Yellow Pages Association and the three largest publishers of yellow page directories in Minnesota: Dex, Yellowbook, SuperMedia. The Yellow Pages Association has been working with all publishers to create their yellowpagesoptout.com website, allowing individuals to choose the number of directories they wish to receive.
Dex One is the proud leader in offering a consumer choice program regarding the number of directories they want delivered or if they want to opt out completely. In 2007, Dex One formed a team that ultimately created the program, and they launched it in May 2008 with dedicated phone lines and an interactive website. The program was an addition to the company’s long-standing recycling program. Today each printed directory contains information on how consumers can change the number of directories they receive or to opt out completely. Additionally, the company reaches out in advance to large businesses and residential complexes to determine the directory needs and “sweeps” areas after delivery to pick up unclaimed directories.
Today’s Yellowbook directories are made from industry wood waste and virgin fiber, printed with soy based inks, and bound with vegetable based adhesives – making them 100% recyclable. Best of all, we partner with companies that are as committed to the environment as we are. Companies that care. They use hydro-electric energy to power production, adhere to strict environmental standards and maintain certification with some of the top stewardship councils in the world.www.recycleyellowbook.com
The Yellow Pages industry helps consumers find local businesses through print, web and mobile directories. However, there is no need to deliver a phone book to someone who doesn’t want one. That is why the Local Search Association created www.YellowPagesOptOut.com, an easy-to-use website to choose which print directories to receive or stop delivery altogether. For those who want print directories, they are fully recyclable – and more than 71 percent of them are recycled according to the EPA. Major publishers use recycled content where available as well as soy-based inks and non-toxic glues. In addition, paper usage has decreased 50% since 2007, driven by changes in directory sizes, more efficient manufacturing, reduction in White Pages deliveries and YellowPagesOptOut.com.
SuperMedia is an advocate for local business committed to powering regional economies while reducing its environmental impact. SuperMedia has implemented programs focused on resource reduction, environmental manufacturing practices, recycling and sourcing sustainable materials when possible. SuperMedia was one of the first publishers to sign the Yellow Pages Association and Association of Directory Publishers Joint Environmental Guidelines, which underscores their commitment to environmental responsibility. Their books are printed on paper containing up to 40 percent post-consumer recycled fiber and, when available, the remaining paper content comes from wood chips and pulp - waste products of the lumber industry. And, they were the first company to clearly promote Consumer Choice on telephone directory covers.
The company’s paper reduction initiatives are an integral part of its printing and distribution process. They’ve implemented internal programs to limit the amount of paper used by focusing on printing and distribution models and making appropriate modifications. By minimizing residential white pages, SuperMedia decreased their use of paper by 12 percent. Paper reduction does more than decrease the amount of paper used—the program limits the amount of ink used. It also impacts the amount of fuel consumed in the distribution of the product by both freight partners and vendors.
In addition to reducing paper use through residential white pages minimization, SuperMedia also works diligently to develop accurate projections of the number of books that will be used by consumers. By carefully managing projections for use of the phone books, SuperMedia has significantly less waste and fewer in-stock books to recycle between publications… 1.2 percent salvage in 2010 to .6 percent salvage in 2011.
Also, SuperMedia works with state and local governments to educate communities and promote directory delivery opt-out. Together, these initiatives help to foster a community of stewardship and recycling to minimize impact on the environment while balancing the needs of consumers and small- to medium-sized businesses.