Vibe Labs is a small player in the overall scheme of a global economy. So what do we expect to accomplish with our Green Policy? There are two main objectives that we have targeted; reduction of our environmental impact and a call to others in our field to do the same. As we grow, so will the impact of our policy on the reduction of our environmental footprint. And so we hope will our influence over those companies that are much larger and hold the power to impact the environment in a very powerful way.

Our Policy covers 5 key areas; Carbon Dioxide, Recycling and Reuse, Energy Consumption, Logistics Alternatives and Harmful Substances. Each area is covered by our current plan, our goal and a subjective measure of how well we're doing versus the rest of our industry. Here's what's covered under each area:

Carbon Dioxide - Probably the most talked-about threat to our environment is the release of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) into our environment. While CO2 is a naturally occuring element, industrial activity has shifted the natural balance of CO2; with disasterous results. One of the most significant of the so-called "greenhouse gasses", CO2 reduction has become a key objective of environmental groups, industry and governments the world over.

Our CO2 plan involves both the reduction of CO2 and the offest of emissions produced. Reduction activities include more efficient sourcing of raw materials, more energy efficient product designs, more intensive product testing reducing burn-in times, and the reduction of unnecessary travel. We have also undertaken an offset program aimed at offsetting all of our production related carbon emissions by 2010.

Recycling & Reuse - Clearly, one of the most effective measures to minimize our environmental impact is to reuse and recycle. Extending the usable life of any product keeps it from the landfill and of course avoids the production of greenhouse gasses and/or hazardous materials through the manufacture of a new replacement. Likewise recycling can reduce energy use through the reduction of resources needed to mine, process and deliver raw materials.

Our commitment is to use recycled materials wherever possible, ensure that the materials we use are in turn recyclable, and to reuse where possible our raw materials, scrap materials, obsolete products and parts. Starting with the carton boxes and printed materials we have set a goal of using 100% recycled materials by 2009. In addition we will arrange for the local donation of any of our products to either a charity or a certified recycler on behalf of our end users.

Energy Consumption - The consumption of energy is perhaps the most direct connection we have with the generation of CO2 and other forms of pollution entering our atmosphere. Even electricity comes at a high environmental price with many countries relying on biomass fuels for the generation of power. Reduction of energy consumption is the first line of defense against global warming and pollution of the environment.

Vibe Labs has been reducing energy consumption since our founding. In the office we employ LCD monitors, CFL lighting and Energy Star sated office equipment. Our testing procedure has been designed to use less energy while still ensuring proper standards are met and our encouragement of the "virtual office" has reduced the unnecessary energy consumption related to the commute of staff and support personnel. Plus, our product line offers more efficient switch-mode technology with a goal of producing an average consumption efficiency of >80% by 2010.

Logistics Alternatives - While we may not give it a second thought, the method by which goods are delivered to end users is a major contributor to environmental damage. This includes consideration of the type of packaging, the carrier, the means (air, sea, ground) and even the timing of deliveries. While manufacturers want to reduce the amount of inventory on hand, the environmental cost of getting the goods to the customer in a timely manner can be significant.

We have designed our logistics infrastructure to move goods as efficiently as possible, striking a balance between transit times and inventory on hand. We have established distribution centers in the USA and China with the ability to ship goods by the most efficient means possible to customers located anywhere in the world. Our transportation partners have been selected on the basis of energy efficiency in addition to customer service.

Hazardous Substances - Most industrial processes from mining, to smelting, production and finishing result in the release of hazardous substances into the environment. In addition, the improper handling, use and disposal of consumer goods containing these substances can further contribute to the presence of such substances in the environment. In electronics manufacturing the chief pollutants have historically been Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and PBBs found in plastic housings and sub-assemblies.

Our first step in the reduction of hazardous substances was the adoption of the EU's RoHS directive. Since 2006 the Reduction of Hazardous Substances directive has defined the six key substances used in electronics manufacturing and has restricted their use in consumer goods sold in EU countries. All of our products are in compliance with RoHS and we are further expanding our RoHS focus to include the paints and solvents used in the finishing of our products.

Conclusion - So, what does all of this cost? You might be surprised to hear that the costs are minimal. Sure, we're paying a premium for RoHS compliant manufacturing, the use of non-polluting industrial finishes and the use of suitable recycled materials. Then there's the cost of offsetting the CO2 emmissions we cannot eliminate. But most of these expenses are themselves offset by savings in fuel, electricity, shipping and travel. In other words, there is no good reason or excuse not to do something positive for the environment.

Stay tuned; we'll be reporting back on new initiatives and our progress in the future. And please do your part for the environment.