Rainforest Publications has made a considerable effort in research and development of our Field Guides to ensure that we are as environmentally friendly as possible while maintaining our high quality standards and integrity. To this end, we have done the following:

In our office we recycle all our office paper products. Our print cartridges are returned to the manufacture for reuse. We do not "out-source" in the production of our guides. We work as much as possible with local businesses reducing transportation costs. We print on Endeavour paper which features a high recycled content.

Our printer, Premier Graphics, based in Bellingham Washington, makes a concerted effort to use natural products and low-waste processes. By keeping on top of developments in recycled papers, vegetable inks, bindings and chemical-free production techniques, they continue to challenge themselves as a leader in environmentally friendly printing.

Below is a list of ways in which they reduce environmental impact:

• Recommend and use recycled papers whenever possible.
• Recycle all paper in both production as well as in all offices.
• Use vegetable-based inks.
• Recycle all ink waste.
• Recycle all metal plates.
• The prepress department is totally chemical-free. The metal plates are developed using the latest heat processing technology instead of being chemically burned. They use direct-to-plate printing technology, which has eliminated film, chemicals and film waste.

The fundamental goals of Rainforest Publications are (1) To "inform and educate" in hopes that the user of our guides will gain a better appreciation for their surroundings and thus become better stewards of a declining environmental situation. (2) To make a quality product, because we feel it is the best way to be responsible and pay respect to the customer and the user of our guides.

Rainforest Publications gives donations for each guide sold to environmental and educational organizations. Below is a list of organizations that have benefited from the sales of our Field Guides:

• Children's Rainforest... donation for the purchase and protection of forest habitat.
• Monteverde Conservation League.
• Curu Wildlife Refuge... purchase of radio collars for the spider monkey program.
• Caribbean Conservation Cooperation.purchased satellite devices for tracking turtles.
• CATIE... produced a brochure that educated local farmers on the importance of protecting the snakes that co-habit their farms.
• Guanacaste Conservation Area (GCA)... donation to the schools in the Guanacaste outdoor education program.
• Costa Rica National Museum... donation of educational materials for programs for children of low income families.
• Children's Program in Pequera Costa Rica... donation for educational activities for troubled kids.
• Arbofilia... donation for the study and protection of trees.