Sandy Hook, CT- Curtis Packaging Corporation announced today that it appears on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) new Top 20 Printers List of the largest green power purchasers in the commercial printing business.  Curtis Packaging is purchasing nearly 6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 100 percent of the organization's purchased electricity use. Curtis Packaging is buying renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Community Energy.
 
The Top 20 Printers List, which debuted on July 27, is one of nine Top Partner Lists that EPA releases quarterly, highlighting some of America's largest green power purchasers.  Curtis Packaging Corporation currently ranks No. 8 on EPA's Top 20 Printers List.  All of EPA's Top Partner Lists are available at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/.
 
"We thank the EPA for recognizing our commitment to the environment and our community" said Don Droppo, Jr., Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "It is an honor to be part of such an exciting green movement. One where our customers and the community value the commitment we've made to a safe and secure energy future."
 
This purchase also qualifies Curtis Packaging Corporation for EPA's Green Power Leadership Club, a distinction given to organizations that have significantly exceeded EPA's minimum purchase requirements.  Green Power Leadership Club members must purchase ten times the partnership's minimum requirement organization-wide.  
 
Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro.  These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources.  Green power purchases also support the development of new renewable energy generation sources nationwide.
 
"EPA commends our leading partners for their continued commitment to protecting the environment by using green power," said Kathleen Hogan, Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at EPA. "By supporting green power, Curtis Packaging Corporation is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, supporting clean energy technologies, and contributing to a clean energy future."
 
According to the U.S. EPA, Curtis Packaging Corporation's green power purchase of nearly 6 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of nearly 1,000 passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power nearly 1,000 average American homes annually.