USPS marks Earth Day with green initiatives

USPS Postmaster General John E. Potter and others view an electric car.

The United States Postal Service launched a campaign today to increase awareness and create results for energy conservation at a “Turning Over a Green Leaf” event in celebration of Earth Day.

The agency, which says it wants to reduce energy use 30% by 2015, exhibited “green” initiatives at the event, including the USPS' green Web site, a carbon and lifestyle calculator, an office supplies swap Web site, energy-saving tips, and Cradle to Cradle-certified “green” packaging and shipping supplies.

A small electronics recycling center was set up to enable employees to recycle cell phones, laptops, BlackBerry devices and MP3 players, with the goal of doubling the 6,000 pounds of materials recycled at last year's event.

“Here at the Postal Service, our size and our presence in every community in America obligate us to be good environmental neighbors,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter in an e-mailed statement to DMNews.  “And I'm pleased to tell you that we have been, we are, and we will continue to be.  We have the largest civilian fleet of vehicles in U.S., but also the largest fleet of alternative fuel-capable vehicles. Postal Service Green Teams are working on ways to reduce our waste to near zero right now.”