Social Responsibility

Dicks and Company Basics cares about the greener-good of our planet and we are committed to doing our part in minimizing our ecological footprint. We divert over 85% of our company's waste (our paper, cardboard, toner and inkjet cartridges) from the landfill to a recycler and we also recycle toner and inkjet cartridges that you return to us; we will pick these up at your office when delivering an order. We are fully aware of the advantages of using improved technology to address environmental issues. Out printing department has eliminated film and chemistry from our manufacturing process via "computer-to-plate" manufacturing. In addition, we use process-less plates, eliminating more chemicals from the manufacturing process. And that's not all we're doing! Read on to learn about our Environmentally Preferred Products and FSC Certified Products.

Dicks and Company Basics has always been committed to social responsibility. We believe in giving back to our community through charitable support and by supplying goods and services that better aid environmental initiatives. We are also a proud supporter of breast cancer awareness and research and supply a broad range of products where a portion of the proceeds goes towards these ends.

We recognize our responsibility to source, promote and encourage the use of environmentally responsible products, and for several years now we have actively promoted items we feel have a lessened environmental impact on our planet. We have done this by tagging such items with the EPP icon in our catalogue--we have an environmentally friendly alternative in almost every major category of product--as well as by featuring them in special EPP themed flyers. We currently nearly 1000 Environmentally Preferred Products available for purchase, and we're always on the look-out for more!

Your response has been very positive; products like our 100% Recycled Enviro100 Copy Paper and our Ultra Recycled Content Figuring Pads have enjoyed strong immediate acceptance. We've also received great feedback on our Basics Reversible File Folders, which contain a minimum of 60% post-consumer recycled content, and our Basics Front-loading Trays containing 75% post-consumer recycled plastic.

The Domtar EarthChoice lineup of papers launched in 2008 went beyond the recycling issue, addressing the greater problem of forest management and sustainability. These products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance as having been made only from raw materials harvested from forests with sound, renewable management programs. By purchasing FSC certified products you are sending the message that you care about the environment, thus encouraging large organizations to do the same.

Dicks and Company Basics is a proud supporter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. When you make a purchase from our Pink Ribbon Collection a portion of the proceeds goes towards breast cancer research and education and awareness programs.