The Postal Service is continuing to make progress toward its sustainability goals, one of several achievements the organization is highlighting this year for Earth Day.
USPS has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, facilities and purchased electricity by 22.4 percent since 2008, while emissions from other sources — such as employees’ business travel, commuting and wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal — have been reduced by 19.8 percent.
During fiscal year 2019 (Oct. 1, 2018-Sept. 30, 2019), the Postal Service diverted 58.2 percent of its solid waste to recycling, an improvement over its 50.2 percent diversion rate during the previous year.
Additionally, the organization has reduced energy usage at its 32,000 facilities by 4.2 percent since 2015, including 2.7 percent last year.
“The Postal Service is committed to being a sustainability leader by creating a culture of conservation in the communities we serve. We set a precedent for responsible use and protection of the natural environment that we share as we engage our employees in conservation strategies. We’re mindful of our environmental footprint as we operate in a manner that is conscious of today’s actions and tomorrow’s unknowns,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Jennifer Beiro-Réveillé.
The Postal Service offers more detailed information at usps.com/green and the Sustainability Blue page. This year’s Annual Sustainability Report, which is slated to be published in June, will also have more details.
Earth Day is observed around the world every year on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
This year, in addition to updating employees on its sustainability progress, USPS has released a Forever stamp to mark Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.
Nick Richards, an industrial hygienist at Postal Service headquarters in Washington, DC, applauds the organization’s efforts to make sustainability a top priority.
“It’s very fulfilling to work for an organization that implements sustainable practices and supports environmental awareness, while working toward a livable future for the Postal Service and its employees,” he said.
