VIEW: Victoria's Secret on same path as Williams-Sonoma
When I said that "the catalog industry can get a bit overzealous in their mailings," Victoria's Secret was exactly the company I was thinking about. So, imagine my relief when I read this article recently.

Apparently, a few years ago ForestEthics began a dialog with Limited Brands/Victoria's Secret regarding their paper use. Now Limited Brands uses paper with 80% post consumer waste recycled content for its clearance catalogs. A few other measures the company is taking in its future catalog production that impressed me are (as stated on GreenBiz.com & ForestEthics.org):

"A preference for FSC certification, the only credible certification for sustainable logging. Limited Brands has partnered with one of its principal suppliers to shift four of its mills to FSC.

Overall catalog paper reduction.

A commitment to continual improvement on environmental attributes of catalog paper and paper use. Progress will be audited by an independent third party and made public.

A commitment to phase out of endangered forests.

One million dollars committed to research and advocacy to protect endangered forests and ensure leadership in the catalog industry."

Definitely a step in the right direction!

VIEW: Williams-Sonoma Catalogs to be FSC Certified
I read on GreenBiz.com last week that Williams-Sonoma is going to begin sourcing almost all of the paper for its catalogs from sources certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

This is great news to me. I know I'm not alone in feeling that the catalog industry can get a bit overzealous in their mailings, with the same products being contained in each publication, and which may arrive as often as twice per month. I think this major, well-respected company is setting a wonderful example to the rest of the industry.

Not only is this a feel-good commitment for Williams-Sonoma to make, it is a wise business decision that will most likely affect their bottom line. In my opinion, they will gain some market share due to this change and the publicity they are receiving from it.

The FSC certification for its catalogs is not the first environmentally sound practice that Williams-Sonoma has made. The company has a track record of choosing paper products with post consumer recycled content for items used throughout the organization.

NEWS: The 2007 Studio 22 Design Grant for Non-Profits
Studio 22 is pleased to announce the 2007 Design Grant for Non-Profits. One 501(c)(3) organization will be chosen to receive a one-year commitment from Studio 22 to collaborate on design and marketing projects, which may include logo, stationery package, advertisements, brochures or website design. Our (unofficial) 2006 recipient was the Catoctin Area Planning & Preservation Association.

The deadline for applications is January 30, 2007. Download one here or visit our website to learn more about Studio 22. Good luck!