Contacts:
Chad Cliburn – Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
(802) 241-3487
Peter Crawford – Vermont Small Business Development Center
(802) 728-1423

Extensive recycling, energy conservation measures, and environmentally preferable purchasing practices have lead to state recognition for a local maker of probiotic nutrients and herbal formulations.

New Chapter, in Brattleboro, Vermont has been recognized by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vermont Small Business Development Center as an Environmental Partner in the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership. According to Chad Cliburn, Partnership coordinator for the Department of Environmental Conservation, “New Chapter has done an excellent job of greening their operations and their corporate culture.” Noteworthy accomplishments include consolidating shipments to minimize vehicle miles traveled and green house gas emissions, installing energy saving measures like occupancy sensors and programmable set-back thermostats, utilizing “green” cleaning products, and implementing new technologies to reduce electricity usage of their information systems infrastructure. New Chapter recycles much of its solid waste, including cardboard, paper, glass and pallets, and also “closes the loop” by purchasing recycled paper products and printing their catalogue on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. But more importantly, New Chapter has adopted an environmentally preferable purchasing policy whereby environmental impacts will be considered during purchasing decisions.

New Chapter also supports hundreds of small family organic farms and runs a Demeter award-winning “bio-dynamic” organic ginger and turmeric farm in Costa Rica. The company also raises money to help protect and conserve the Children’s Rainforest in Costa Rica. According to Barbi Schulick, one of New Chapter’s founders, “Our dedication to sustainability is defined by our product. We’ve been producing botanical formulations made with 100% whole foods and herbs since our inception in 1982, and we’re the supplement industry’s first certified organic manufacturer to produce vitamins and minerals made with organic ingredients. Sustainability in our business practice and workplace are natural extensions of our core commitment to human and planetary health.”

The Vermont Business Environmental Partnership is a voluntary, environmental assistance and business recognition program that is open to any Vermont business that proactively incorporates sound environmental management practices into their operations. To find out more about the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership, visit the web at http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/ead/vbep/index.htm.