BROOKLYN GREEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM

1. Recycling

In Latin America there is a deforestation rate of approximately 109 acres per hour. Deforestation is one of the principal causes for the extinction of several species, weather alterations and soil erosion. Even though deforestation has many causes, one of them involves the exstensive use of non-recycled paper products. For every ton of recycled paper that we use, 17 trees are saved, and it is a role that all of us should take.

PAPER and CARDBOARD RECYCLING

The use of recovered paper and cardboard for new paper and box products gives new life to the wood fiber in the manufacturing process. Recycled fibers are an essential raw material for the paper industry. Recycling and the associated use of recovered paper to manufacture new paper are only possible if virgin fibers are continuously introduced into the recycling process.

In addition, when paper and cardboard are kept separate from other trash, space is saved in landfills. Transportation costs are also reduced by virtue of collecting less waste.

FABRIC RECYCLING: Textiles in municipal solid waste are found mainly in discarded clothing; although other sources include furniture, carpets, tires, footwear, and nondurable goods such as sheets and towels. In Brooklyn's case, it is just waste fabric from our manufacturing process. We donate this waste fabric to an institution that assists people with creating crafts that they can sell to help support their family.

PLASTIC BAG RECYCLING: As more people have become aware of the direct and indirect costs of using plastic bags, many have now formed organizations and movements to put laws in place to recycle plastic bags. Brooklyn also helps these organizations in their recyling efforts by donating used plastic bags for recycling.

2. Energy Saving Measures

Brooklyn has implemented energy saving measures that not only save electricity, but also improve the overall working environment for our employees.

LIGHT BULBS:

To reduce the electricity consumed in our sewing plant, Brooklyn has installed LED light bulbs on our sewing machines. This kind of light buld provides concentrated brightness, consumes 80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs, is mercury-free, and is cool to the touch.

SEWING MACHINE MOTORS:

Clutch motors on our sewing machines have been replaced with new energy saving motors. These new motors save 60-80% electricity and create substantially less heat.

3. Cleaner Fuel

We use liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) fueled engines throughout our manufacturing plant for items such as forklifts and boilers. LPG fueled engines produce less air pollution than gasoline engines and carbon monoxide emissions from engines using LPG are 50 to 92 % lower than emissions from gasoline-fueled engines. Hydrocarbon emissions are 30 to 62 % lower.