UNEP tries to 'practice what it preaches' in terms of environmentally sound printing. To this end, UNEP divisions and collaborators consider several criteria when choosing and evaluating a printing job. While price is a consideration, it is not the only, or even the main, criterion.

The following criteria are at the forefront in any tender. At least four of these criteria have to be by on each and every publication. It is also mandatory that on each publication (inside front cover) the specific criteria are published in the Green Dot statement. They include:

• Chlorine-free paper;
• Recycled paper (state percentage, preferably above 75%);
• Wood pulp from sustainably managed forests;
• Post-consumer waste (state percentage);
• Mill broke (state percentage);
• Ink from renewable resources, e.g. vegetable, soy, linseed;
• Coatings should be water based;
• The percentage of paper bleach must be minimal; and
• Mailed in photodegradable polythene film.

In addition to the above, the printing process, not just the products, is considered. This includes issues such as; the consumption of energy; the use of solvents; best practices; certificates (ISO 14000, EMS, eco-labelling, Forest Stewardship Council); and waste treatment.

UNEP has adopted a “green dot” symbol to reflect all of the above concerns.

As the transport/shipping industry moves billions of units each year and accounts for the emission of millions of tons of CO2 (and other greenhouse gases), distribution is also looked at with an eye to engaging partners or companies that ‘offset’ their CO2 and which try to be carbon neutral. Companies can reduce their carbon footprint by being more energy efficient and developing renewable energy infrastructure or by ‘offsetting’ emissions by supporting renewable energy projects (wind, solar and bio-fuels).