Montgomery County, TN – The latest business to complete requirements for Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certified and host a Green Ribbon Cutting is Jostens.
City of Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan, Montgomery County Director of Administration, Phil Harpel, filling in for County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, Executive Director of the Industrial Development Board Mike Evans and Chamber of Commerce Director Melinda Shepard were there to congratulate the company for their work.
Environmental and Safety Manager Jeff Battles, explained. “We were doing a lot prior to knowing about the program. My predecessor was recycling quite a bit, including all of the paper and packing material that could be recycled.
Some of the additional things we’ve done include looking for ways to repurpose materials that could not be recycled, replacing the old roof with an energy efficient white roof, upgrading the metal halide and T12 bulbs to more efficient lighting and replacing inefficient machinery.
We also developed relationships with local vendors whenever possible to reduce pollution and keep funds in our community and we are working with a team of students at Clarksville High School to find a way to repurpose a packing material that is not recyclable.
Harpel asked if employees are taking the environmental efforts home with them.
Battles responded, “That is something we are working on with our Green Grads Team which will start up again in January. We don’t just want to encourage recycling; we want them to understand environmental issues surrounding air, water and storm water management. I’m looking forward to the new ideas they will bring to the table. There is always more than can be done to improve.”
Some additional changes include the switch from a hazardous ink to a non-hazardous ink for printing, recycling in the break room and other office areas, and stabilizing a moderate and equal temperature throughout the plant.
Jostens has been an integral part of the Clarksville community for more than 30 years. They employ approximately 500 people locally and work to provide yearbooks and other high quality publications for schools and individuals around the world.
For information on how your business can participate in the Green Certification Program, contact Michelle Newell at manewell@mcgtn.net.
