Sustainability at Give Something Back

Give Something Back was founded in 1991 with the same goal we have now: to sell as many business products as possible, at the best prices, with the best customer service, and in a way that’s best for people and the environment.

We’ve always given at least half of our annual profits back to the community. We call this the Give Something Back Ripple Effect. Some don’t get how this is possible, asking, “How can you build a successful business and give profits away?” We explain that our business works for the benefit of all our stakeholders – customers, employees, suppliers, the environment and our community. When we do good by each stakeholder, we do well! We’ve always known that – that’s why we were one of the first to carry recycled paper and why we put solar panels on our roof!

The view from HQ

To us, green is not just about our products or company characteristics. It’s about everything we do to create healthy communities and ensure that future generations enjoy more natural resources. And we do more than just proclaim our greenness; we’ve chosen to hold ourselves accountable by meeting strict criteria for three independent environmental and socially responsible business certifications: the Bay Area Green Business and Sacramento Sustainable Business Programs, which certify operations, and B Corporation.

For us, taking care of people and the environment is good business. When our communities thrive, our customers thrive -- and when our customers do well, we do well! It’s a tested formula that’s raised more than $4 million dollars for our community and made us the largest independent office supplier in the Western states.

Our goals and how we plan to accomplish them:

I. To understand, measure and mitigate our impacts on the environment

Waste Reduction

2008:We started our corporate composting program which has helped us to see about a 50% reduction in landfill waste.

2009 Goal: Became a State approved collector of E-waste, offering E-waste collection to customers in order to divert toxic substances from landfills.

CO2 Emissions Reduction

2009: We will be calculating our carbon footprint this year. Once a baseline is established, we will be setting reduction goals.

II. To educate & build awareness:

2008: Started our first ever Green Team (called GAIA; Green Agents Inspiring Action) and hired a director of sustainability who manages our environmental footprint and educates our employees and customers.

2009 Goal: To enhance office greening internet resources for customers.

III. To serve our customers in a way that is not harmful to the environment

Reduce Packaging

2008: We initiated the Box Take-Back Program.

2009 Goal: To reduce the number of purchased cardboard boxes by 15% through the Box Take-Back Program.

Create tools that help customers green their office operations

2008: Developed the Green Audit, a tracking tool for purchasing.

2009: To continue to enhance the performance of the Green Audit and develop a LEED reporting tool.

Download our 2007 Sustainability Report

Download our 2008 Annual Giving Report

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