At Paper Source, we live and breathe paper. We create it, craft it, color it, cut it, shape it, print it. We cherish it and adore it. We admire paper for its innate qualities as it was first made by artisans — with a deep respect for the materials used, the skill of the artist, and its role as a material for expression.

And we so appreciate that paper, with all its beautiful subtleties and complexities, is an essentially simple formula. Fiber + Water + Energy = Paper. It's a science and it's an art.

Today, with increasing concern about preserving the earth's fragile eco-system, this simple formula has become a more delicate equation. Paper can be labeled as something "bad" if stereotyped as the outcome of inefficient use of energy, or irresponsible forestry and industrial practices. As a purveyor of paper products, it's our responsibility to assess how and where we factor in.

Our credo — to inspire you to do something creative every day — is rooted in our profound love for paper. We recognize that when it comes to our product, eco-friendly can sometimes equal compromised archival quality or a less-pleasing aesthetic. Our commitment to you, our customer, is to balance the equation by giving you choices, allowing you to enjoy paper as a wonderful vehicle for creativity without compromising your desire for stewardship of the earth.

Paper Source was founded twenty-five years ago by Sue Lindstrom, a woman who was delightfully obsessed with paper. Inspired by the traditional papermaking artistry in Japan, Sue opened the first Paper Source store in Chicago to showcase these beautiful and ecologically-sound papers from around the world. From local towns in places like Japan and Nepal, the traditional papers were crafted completely by hand from renewable fibers, using techniques that date back hundreds of generations.

We've long since partnered with mills that adhere to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards, many of which fuel their processes via wind or hydro power. Ten years ago we introduced 100% recycled wrapping paper, but, alas, our customers weren't then as excited about the beauty of the paper bag color. Now, we know you're ready for it, and we're delighted that moment has arrived!

Enter Sally Pofcher, who moved from San Francisco to Chicago with her family for a love of Paper Source. As our new CEO (teaming up with Sue, who serves as Chief Creative Officer), Sally joined Paper Source in May of 2007 and helped catalyze the organization's commitment to being a better environmental steward. Though we've made big strides, we recognize that there are many more opportunities for us to improve how we work, and there is so much more that we can do. The following gives you a look into our progress.

• Throughout the year, we will be transitioning the exclusive Paper Source collection of colored envelopes and cards to recycled paper with at least 30% post-consumer waste (PCW). Black, chocolate, red and bluebell are currently produced with the new recycled content, and are already becoming available in stores and online. Going above 30% PCW will be no easy task; we won't be satisfied until we can seamlessly marry recycled content with the beautiful aesthetic and color clarity we are known for. (It's that science and art thing again).
• In March of 2008 we introduced "Eco-White" as the base paper for many of the Paper Source-designed patterns found in our flat papers, gift wrap and note cards.  Eco-White will also be part of our card and envelope collection. At 100% recycled with 30% PCW, this nice cool white has an eggshell finish.
• We will also be introducing Kraft "Paper Bag" to our line of envelopes, cards and printed papers, which is recycled with 30% PCW.
• Many colors in the Paper Source line of envelopes and cards are processed chlorine-free (PCF).
• We're reusing leather, too -- with our line of recycled leather datebooks, calendars and journals.
• Looking ahead, you can expect to find more recycled product in our lineup, including base papers for wedding invitations and everyday stationery.

• Our catalogs and shopping bags have been converted to recycled paper.
• Our printers operate with reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and recycle their ink waste.
• We moved our headquarters to a location in Chicago that makes it easy for and encourages employees to use public transportation. We even won the 2006 Bike to Work Week Commuter Challenge in the category of business/non-profit 100-499 employees!
• Paper Source has instituted a successful recycling program in our office, and we're working continuously to find creative ways to reuse leftover paper.
• We're transitioning to high-efficiency light bulbs in our stores (while maintaining light that allows for a pure read on color and won't fade paper).
• In an effort to reduce waste from receiving and shipping boxes, you can expect to see us reusing a lot more boxes in the future (look out for a sticker designating a reused box!).

Like many of you, we are on a journey to be better citizens of our planet, while sustaining the joy and creativity embodied by the Paper Source experience. Most importantly, know that our efforts are sincere. Our entire offering is not a model of eco-perfection. But we hope that our efforts help you to bring more "green" to your own creative spark... every day!

Questions? Contact us — we want to hear from you!