March 31, 2010
Written By: Ken

You are looking at stocking your office or home with recycled eco friendly binders and may be a bit confused about what exactly you need. The big box stores sell binders based on spine size, which is irrelevant unless you only have 1 inch of space left in your house and don't care how much paper goes in the binder.

What you need to know is ring size, ring shape and paper size.  In the US, the standard paper size is 8.5" x 11".  This is not true in the rest of the world, so when buying binders for friends and relatives abroad look up their standard sizes.

A D-Ring (as seen below) hold more paper than a O-Ring, in part because the paper sits flat on the D side of the ring.  We use D-rings because they are more efficient and require less over-all space to store the same amount of paper.

Sizing 3-ring Eco Binders is easy if you have a little information.

Naked Binder offers four different ring sizes

1" D-ring holds up to 220 sheets of paper, 25 to a case

1.5" D-ring holds up to 350 sheets of paper, 18 to a case

2" D-ring holds up to 450 sheets of paper, 15 to a case

2.5" D-ring holds up to 550 sheets of paper, 12 to a case

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How do you measure a ring size?

The flat side of a D-ring is part you measure when figuring out ring size.  If you are currently using a round ring, you measure the diameter from top to bottom.

 

 

 

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March 26, 2010
Written By: Naked Binder Admin

In relation to our post the other day on trusted certifications, I stumbled on the GAO's investigation of the Energy Star program.  Having managed to get a gasoline powered clock and an 'air purifier' (basically a fan with a duster and fly strips on it in the photo) passed through and labeled as Energy Star products, I want to stress the importance of checking on certifications before relying on them.

The GAO's report highlights the pitfalls of even well acknowledged programs.

This is not to say that all Energy Star rated products are lying, but it may make you step back a bit and evaluate the claims manufacturers are making.

This is not the only certification to have trouble. The FSC (and Naked Binder is FSC certified) allows loggin of old growth forests.  Since our 3-ring binders and pocket folders are mostly 100% post consumer waste, we are not contributing to this.

Be careful, do research and enter the world of green products with eyes open.  Generally, people are on the up and up, but there are always bad apples.

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March 25, 2010
Written By: ken

Your business is looking for inexpensive ways to get the word out but wanting to look professional, human and innovative all at the same time.

Naked Binder has an answer for you.

The Naked Pocket Folders are an elegant 100% post consumer waste and 100% recyclable pocket folder.  Clean and architectural in design, warm and personal in feel and color these pocket folders offer you the room to be yourself in the midst of million of cloned folders.  With three folder designs and a cd package you have options to choose from.

We offer labels to customize your pocket folders as you need them.  You could buy 5000 printed folders, but each proposal, estimate and design can have it's own unique information.  Our labels al print full bleed  so you can design to the edge.

Next time you have a proposal to send out, make a statement with a recycled and recyclable pocket folder.  People will notice.

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March 24, 2010
Written By: Ken

If you are looking for socially responsible and environmentally sustainable products, the world of green or eco friendly labels is at best confusing and at worst, an ugly swamp of misdirection and false claims.

So who can you trust? 

Generally, certifications that require third person verification are best. FSC, Cradle-to-Cradle, and Green Seal are all examples of certifications that require verification. How much and how stringent these certifications are depends on who you pick.

Companies often have good intentions, but either lack resources (time, people and money) or don't want to allocate resources to certifications.  This means the really stringent certifications often get skipped in favor of easier and less time and money intensive certifications.  Lets face it, and FSC audit can take 3-4 days of someones time, not to mention the constant work of researching products, keeping a warehouse properly organized and tracking shipments.

This leaves the door open for a lot of 'green-lite' labels, or even self labeling (make up a logo, stick on your website and voila! a logo on your website that might fool someone into thinking you have done something).

Finding good providers.

One good place to start is the Responsible Purchasing Network. This is an organization dedicated to helping people find socially nd environmentally sustainable products.  they have purchasing guides and other publications which can help you in your quest to find the best sustainable products.

If you have a certification you trust, or a cause you support, find them and go to that site and see who is on their lists. 1% for the Planet  or Rainforest Action Network are organizations that support specific environmental actions and may be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.

Research.

Define what it is you are looking for first.  You want closer (with in 500 miles of you business or home), recycled content (post consumer waste or recycled - what percentage is enough?), socially conscious (fair trade, fair wage), low carbon foot print ( how far around the world has it traveled, what is involved in creating and disposing of this product).... You need to be clear about what you are looking for in order to find it.

If you haven't heard of a certification, look it up.  Many are not that stringent, some are outright ridiculous, some are excellent.

Example.

We will use our own company, Naked Binder, as an example.  We started in order to fill what we perceived as a need and an injustice.

premise:  Office supplies are toxic and unrecyclable.  This is backed up by the 40-60 million vinyl binders disposed of every year in the US alone which are basically unrecyclable (no programs exist to get your vinyl waste even if you spend the time to separate the binder parts).  We hear of LEED certified buildings failing their air tests due to office supplies and the EPA claims air in offices is up to 10 times worse than the air outside.

Goal:  Create a series of truely sustainable office products - in our case 3-ring binders, folders and tab sets that are well designed (last longer, work better, look good), and sustainable (100% post consumer waste, 100% recyclable). Also, all the employees here are avid outdoor lovers and we wanted to find a way to help insure open spaces and wilderness will continue and thrive.

Reality:  We are closer every day to our goal. 

We have had our binders tested to 250,000 flexes making these the strongest 3-ring binder available.  They look great (aw, mom...) and work well.  The board is 100% post consumer waste, FSC certified binders board. Our pocket folders are 97% post consumer waste and FSC certified.  Our current tab dividers are 30% post consumer waste and Green Seal certified from a Green-E company. Our 3-ring binders and folders are FSC certified and we are members of 1% for the Planet, donating to protect wild spaces and wilderness areas.

We use post manufacturing waste from a plant in our building for packing materials.  All of it is 100% recyclable.

Where we are going.  As a young company, we haven't analyzed our carbon foot print adequately. This is a goal of ours.  We know we can do better, we just need to find out where. We are moving our tab sets to a FSC certified 100% post consumer waste stock. We are working to find sources of organic cottons and alternative (more sustainable) fabrics.  We are looking at each product to see what can be done better, what would make it more useful and what would make it more sustainable.

We are looking into certifications that would help us identify and clarify where we have more room for growth in our resposible manufacturing and product goals.  

Future: Naked Binder wants to be the standard to which all office supplies are held. Better, greener, pro-active and more fun to use.

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March 16, 2010
Written By: Lefty

Interior designers get the small stick in the design world.  

People talk of architects in hushed voices, graphic designers are seen as hip and edgy. Who stands up for the Interior designer?

Naked Binder wants to say thanks for all the hard work in creating spaces that effortlessly hang together, are comfortable, inviting and useful. Thanks for every office where things are actually in a place they can be used.

Thanks for 'correcting' the color issues of the previous guy who loved all the wrong colors.

We have started a page just for you to help you find what you need for your clients, your spaces and your designs. Naked Binder specializes in well designed, eco friendly office products, 3-ring binders and pockt folders that can help finish out your spaces before someone slaps a wall of VOC spewing vinyl binders in.

Thanks all you Interior Designers.  People are watching and appreciating.

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March 15, 2010
Written By: Ken

Looking for a pocket folder that is sustainable, recycled, recyclable and good looking is a Sisyphean task.  Lets face it, sustainable office supplies are still in their infancy. 

There is one place you can turn for FSC certified and sustainable office products like 3-ring binders, CD holders and pocket folders. Naked Binder.

Crafted from 100% post consumer waste board, our presentation folders are FSC certified, recycled and recyclable.  Customizable through our labeling system, these pocket folders can enhance any presentation - reinforcing your image as an environmentally concerned company.

"Sustainability performance is fundamental for business success in the 21st century," Ceres President Mindy S. Lubber, said in a statement. "If businesses deepen their efforts to solve social and environmental threats, it will position them to innovate and compete in the fast-changing, resource-constrained global economy. It is no longer enough for companies to have special projects or initiatives. Comprehensive sustainability strategies are expected."

Naked Binder understands sustainable practices in the workplace and at home are a constant struggle between ideals and the bottom line.  Our recycled pocket folders, CD holders and 3-ring binders are economical and long lasting, saving you twice in the long run.

 

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March 12, 2010
Written By: Ken

Office supplies don't have to be boring, toxic and uninspiring.  Most of them just are.

If you creating the interior design for a space be it a home, office or whole company, you have the option of offering beautiful green office supplies which are not only eco friendly and good looking, but that last longer, save money and even count towards LEED credits.

The benefits of using eco friendly recycled 3-ring binders from Naked Binder:

1. Options.  With 9 colors, 5 styles, 4 ring sizes and 2 spine shapes you have a lot of options to match anything you might want.

2. Non-toxic.  Keep the air inside the home or office cleaner. Vinyls off gas adding to your VOC problems

3. Better.  Naked Binders have been tested to 250,000 flexes without failing. We use the best materials to insure they work better for longer.

4. Economical. Already competatively priced, Naked Binders last longer and are something you want to keep. Save a lot of money replacing the disposable alternatives.

5. Sustainble.  Naked Binders can count towards your LEED credits, CA Law eco pledge, Corporate Responsibility statements or your ideals. We use 100% FSC certified post consumer board.  Our binders are 100% easily recyclable.

Interior design is all about details, small touches that shine and atmosphere.  Using a well designed eco friendly 3-ring binder can help add to those points and finish a space in style.

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March 12, 2010
Written By: Lefty

We know you dont have a lot of time to read pages and pages of information on all the merits and demerits of your 3-ring binders, no matter how sustainble, recycled or cool.  So we decided to make an easy list.

 

Top Ten Reasons Naked Binders 3-Ring Binders are A Great Choice:

Stronger.

Works Better.

Won't harm the air you breath.

Won't end up in a landfill.

No trees were hurt to make a Naked Binder.

Lasts a lot longer.

224 choices of binders.

They look  and feel good.

FSC certified.

We donate part of out sales to saving wilderness and wild spaces.

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March 11, 2010
Written By: Ken

Sometimes people just say such nice things that we have to share them.

Sometimes, we feel a bit insulated from our customers.  My last job was running a climbing gym in the San Francisco Bay Area (one of the awesome Touchstone gyms) and I heard everything directly from the people I worked for/with.  I like it like that.  Climbers had issues, I knew them.  Climbers like something, I knew that.  It is a great feedback loop.

Making even the strongest, most environmentally friendly 3-ring binders on the planet doesn't gaurentee that same level of feedback that I prefer, so I am always happy to hear what people are saying.

Today, two fine comments:

I just wanted to let you know that we absolutely love the Classic Naked Binders that we ordered.  As you can see by our logo, the chili pepper and black combination works well with our colors and name.  I was surprised that the cost per binder actually works out to be less expensive than ordering vinyl binders and obviously they are far better for the environment.  I am so glad that I can finally end my search for a good quality and nice looking environmentally friendly binder.

As the binders will be used for distribution to our clients I will be adding a statement, probably on a label, regarding our efforts to help save the planet and will definitely include the Naked Binder name as a reference.

Thanks again,

Janice

 Executive Assistant,  Blackstone Partners   (3-11-10)

 

Dear Naked Binder Team or Tribe,

Thanks for the quick delivery.  Most Importantly, thank you for creating a very beautiful binder.  I'm using these to organize my financial planner course notes and already feel inspired by having the array of binders in my office. Your binders are stylish, well crafted, green and highly recommendable.  Best wishes  Jonathon (1-19-10)

The Tribe says "Thanks!" to everyone who writes, calls, emails or otherwise lets us know what they are thinking, how they are using our binders, and sends photos on how they have decorated them. You all make our day!

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March 10, 2010
Written By: Naked Binder Admin

Recycled 3-ring binders.  Those words conjure up ratty looking brown binders that fall apart and are twice as expensive.

Think again.

While you can get those still, the world of recycled eco friendly binders has changed.

Naked Binder crafts recycled and recyclable 3-ring binders from FSC certified 100% post consumer waste board. All of our binders are 100% recyclable.

We designed them with a full life cycle in mind.  From 100% post consumer waste to a well designed binder back to the recycling cycle.  There is no waste, and it is easy to do.

Recycled 3-ring binders don't have to be throw away feel good binders.  Naked Binder designed our bare board binders to last ten years, and then tested them to last 34 years.  We had the hinge (usually the weakest spot on a binder) tested to 250,000 flexes without fail. That is 34 years if you use the binder 20 tiems a day everyday.

Available in 9 colors, 5 styles, 4 ring sizes and 2 spine styles, Naked Binder has a binder for every need. Plus, most orders ship next day.

Pricing is roughly the same as other binders on the market, much lower in some cases.  With the longevity and the economical pricing you can save a lot of money on binders you are currently replacing once or twice a year.

Recycled 3-ring binders have come into their own.  Try one and you will never go back.

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March 8, 2010
Written By: Ken

Corporate Responsibility.  To many this seems like something that vanished - or maybe never existed. There are a few companies that stand out.

One of our favorites is Patagonia.  Started in a shed making climbing gear, Patagonia evolved into a large company keeping the dreams of the founder, Yvon Chouinard firmly in the corporate fabric.  They support many environmental causes and started 1% for the Planet, a way of encouraging other companies to do the same. They are up front with the footprint of their clothes in traveling and construction.

Corporate responsibility extends to the social, ethical and environmental views and actions of the company.

At Naked Binder we are trying to do our part. 

Our 3-ring binders and folders are made paying fair wages and we offer health care.  They are made in Des Moines, IA where our parent company, Library Binding Service has been since the 1930s.

We support the local schools (and some less local), donating 3-ring binders for kids who need them.  We had so many requests last year, we donated pallets of binders out at a time.

Naked Binder was formed with the intention of making the best, most sustainable 3-ring binder on the planet.  We constantly strive to find ways to cut waste and the footprint of our binders. We've switched to an FSC certified 100% post consumer waste board, simplified our process.  We are constantly striving to do better.

Our passions are in the outdoors.  Climbing, hiking, paddling, running, walking and restoring.  Naked Binder has tasked itself to work toward leaving no trace.  We are cutting down our footprint and offering others a way to cut theirs. While not entirely without trace, compared to vinyl binders, our recycled and recyclable 3-ring binders are a walk in the park.

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March 5, 2010
Written By: ken

 Sustainable Purchasing Policy and Solid Waste Management Policy. 

If you are a LEED certified building, you have to have a Sustainable Purchasing Policy put in place to "To reduce the environmental and air quality impacts of the materials acquired for use in the operations and maintenance of buildings."and  "To facilitate the reduction of ongoing waste and toxins generated by building occupants and building operations that are hauled to and disposed of in landfills or incineration facilities."

For Sustainable Purchasing Policy for ongoing consumables the guidelines are

• Purchases contain at least 10% postconsumer and/or 20% postindustrial material.
• Purchases contain at least 50% rapidly renewable materials.
• Purchases contain at least 50% materials harvested and processed or extracted and processed within 500 miles of the project. (map)
• Purchases consist of at least 50% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)–certified paper products.
• Batteries are rechargeable.

Your Solid waste management policy has to cover ongoing consumables. The guidelines that pertain to Naked Binder are:

• Reuse, recycle or compost 50% of the ongoing consumables waste stream (by weight or volume).

Naked Binders makes FSC certified bare board 3-ring binders and folders which are 97-100% Post Consumer Waste and 100% recycled, We are based in Des Moines IA and manufacture here. Naked Binder is a 100% recyclable 3-ring binder. Easily recyclable in about 9 seconds.

Each purchase can receive credit for each sustainable criterion met (i.e., a $100 purchase that contains both 10% post consumer recycled content and 50% FSC certified counts twice in the calculation, for a total of $200 of sustainable purchasing). Your Naked Binder purchases can count twice or three times to your LEED Certification.

If you are using vinyl binders, they do not count towards these credits and you are jeapardizing the air quality of your building.

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March 4, 2010
Written By: Naked Binder Admin

 It is estimated that 40-60 million vinyl 3-ring binders are sold in the US every year.  That is a lot of binders, and a lot of vinyl.  Assume that each binder weighs 1 pound. For ease of numbers lets assume the vinyl accounts for 1/8 of that. 

Of the 40-60 million pounds of waste these binders create (created to be disposable, they just don't last), that leaves about 5-7 million pounds of vinyl, something that will not break down in nature. Luckily, we are informed it is recyclable otherwise we would have one big and growing problem.

non) Recycling

The multitudes of additives required to make PVC useful make large scale post consumer recycling nearly impossible for most products and interfere with the recycling of other plastics. Of an estimated 7 billion pounds of PVC thrown away in the US, only 14 million - less than 1/2 of 1 percent - is recycled. The Association of Post Consumer Plastics Recyclers declared efforts to recycle PVC a failure and labeled it a contaminant in 1998.

Although vinyl is in theory recyclable, there are currently no vinyl recycling programs available.  The vast majority of PVCs end up in landfill or incinerated - and both are environmentally hazardous. Currently 0.1% to 3% of vinyl is recycled (mostly industrial waste) of the PVC that is discarded in the US every year.

Oops. Well hopefully it won't burn because that would release a lot of toxic fumes...

Fire dangers

PVC poses a great risk in building fires, as it releases deadly gases long before it ignites, such as hydrogen chloride which turns to hydrochloric acid when inhaled. As it burns, whether accidentally or in waste incineration, it releases yet more toxic dioxins. PVC burning in landfill fires may now be the single largest source of dioxin releases to the environment. If you see the former entry about recycling, with the approximately 8400 landfill fires every year in the US, this is an issue.

All of a sudden the price you are really paying for that $4 binder is pretty high in municipal costs, fire-fighters and health care for those affected by the fumes, creation and wastes of the industry.

You have options.  Naked Binder is one of those options. Naked Binder offers a series of 100% post-consumer waste binders board, eco friendly 3-ring binders that last for years (buy less) and are fully recyclable (no landfill). We use no toxins, no vinyl and no plastics.  You can have a healthier office and environment, not to mention a much better working and looking 3-ring binder.  

Don't settle for a cheap binder that costs you a lot in other ways, save money and have a recycled and recyclable 3-ring binder that is also the strongest 3-ring binder on the planet.

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March 3, 2010
Written By: Naked Binder Admin

You spend a lot of time in your office, whether you are an architect, lawyer, working artist or on the professional athlete. One thing you can do to create the healthiest environment is to stop using office products that are toxic.

Vinyl binders, plastics, carpets and a lot of office furniture out gasses some pretty toxic stuff including formaldehyde and PVCs. LEED certified buildings have failed their safe air tests for volitile organic compounds because of the office supplies brought into a well designed safe building.

If you are going to spend time in this environment, maybe it is time to look at what you can do to make it safer, work better, more  enjoyable and even look better.

Eliminating vinyl binders is a first and easy step.  What you are getting rid of is toxic to make, toxic to use and nearly impossible to get recycle. (go here for more information on PVCs  and here for problems in recycling a vinyl binder). Even worse, they fall apart due to the three piece construction.  So now you have a toxic and useless thing in your office.

Naked Binder offers a full line of eco friendly 3-ring binders.  Easily customized with labels ( for information on labels and other custom 3-ring binder options go here), with 9 colors, 5 styles, 4 ring sizes and 2 spines shapes you can find exactly what you need when you need it. Our binders are FSC certified and made with 100% post consumer waste binders board. They have been strength tested to insane degrees and will not break.

Our sustainable office supplies don't stop there.  100% recyclable pocket folders, eco friendly tab sets and sustainable cd packaging can help round out everything you need.

 

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March 2, 2010
Written By: Ken

 

 When greening your law firm you have a lot of things to pay attention to.  Whether you are working to meet the standards of the State Bar of California Lawyers Eco-Pledge or the ABA Law Office Climate Challenge or on a sustainability plan of your own, Naked Binder can help.  For one thing, we read these pledges.

How we fit into the State Bar of California Lawyers Eco-pledge:

• Using 100% post consumer, chlorine free recycled paper.
• Eliminate Disposables - most vinyl binders fall apart quickly with even moderate use.  Naked Binders are designed to last ten years and tested to 250,000 flexes with out fail.
• Re-Use equipment and supples - because of their longevity, Naked Binders 3-ring binders can be used for multiple cases with no problem.
• Reduce Toxic Chemicals - Vinyl has been taken out of most cars and children's toys for a reason.  It is toxic.
• Purchase Sustainable Products: as an FSC certified 100% post consumer product designed to last, and 100% recyclable, Naked Binders and Pocket Folders are among the most sustainable products on the market.
• Use Sustainable Service Providers.  Naked Binder has been sustainable from day one. Even If you want a custom printed binder, our sister company Corporate Image is an FSC certified printer using soy inks.
• Recycle. Our binders are 100% recyclable, and easily so.
  

 

How we fit into the

ABA Law Office Climate Challenge:

The ABA does not go so far as the State bar of California, but this is still a good program.  While the Wastewise program seems to be aimed at the copy paper part of a law firm, though we conform to the using at least 30% recycled paper. They are also aiming at reducing energy use and CO2 emissions from using virgin wood paper.  The Naked Binder line is made with 100% post consumer waste board, cutting energy, air pollution and water needed to create it by over a third.

If you have questions about other programs or want more information about our eco friendly, sustainable 3-ring binders as to how we can help you meet your Corporate Social Responsibility or Sustainability goals, we can help.

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