Environmental & Sustainability Efforts

At NOW Foods we’re committed to protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy. It’s our responsibility and duty to constantly improve our environmental footprint by reducing waste and emissions, conserving water and energy, recycling a wide range of materials and participating in local, national and global conservation efforts. As an affirmation of our commitment to the environment, NOW is honored to be a four-time Illinois Governors Sustainability Award winner. This award is presented to “organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices.”

Earth Flag for Business

NOW was the first for-profit business to receive the DuPage County Earth Flag for Business, an award that recognizes socially responsible businesses that exemplify an ongoing commitment to the environment.

Solar Panels

In support of our environmental and sustainability efforts NOW has installed solar panels at our Midwestern and Western Operations Centers. These panels help to offset some of NOW’s power consumption and help reduce our impact on the environment.

Recycling & Sustainability Statistics

  • NOW recycles over 400 tons of material annually
  • 100% of NOW’s e-waste (obsolete electronics) is recycled to protect valuable groundwater
  • Our water conservation efforts save over 1.3 million gallons of water annually
  • Our use of energy efficient lighting saves over 600,000 kWh each year
  • NOW shipping boxes are made from 100% recycled materials, which saves an estimated 12,000 trees annually

LEED Certification

In November of 2012 NOW Foods received LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for our new Western Operations Center in Sparks, Nevada. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary program that provides third-party certification of green buildings. LEED-certified buildings are designed to reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, be safer and healthier for occupants, reduce harmful greenhouse emissions and more.

Forest Preserve Clean-Up Days

NOW’s Midwestern Operations Center in Bloomingdale, Illinois borders the DuPage County East Branch Forest Preserve and NOW employees have taken an active interest in protecting this preserve by volunteering for annual clean-up days. In addition to litter removal employees have helped plant new trees and aquatic plants.

NOW is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and maintaining a safe, healthy working environment for our employees.

Reducing Our Impact Though Green Printing

Because we offer such a broad product line, and to better support our customers, NOW produces a variety of printed materials. In support of our environmental efforts we are cognizant of the quantity we print and we also adhere to our own standards for sustainable green printing whenever possible. These standards include: 

  • Exclusive use of vegetable-based inks
  • Reduction of ink coverage when and where possible
  • Reduction of elimination of UV coatings, varnishes, and laminates
  • Use of water-based aqueous coatings that are more environmentally friendly
  • Use of minimum 10%post-consumer recycled paper manufactured under the auspices of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and/or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
  • Use of uncoated paper stock
  • Use of lighter-weight papers, which require fewer manufacturing resources and reduce fuel use for shipping