A GUIDE TO REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

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1 A GUIDE TO REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

2 AN OVERVIEW As responsible citizens of this planet, the entire William F. White International Inc. (WFW) family is focused on this goal: doing whatever we can do to reduce the environmental impact of our production equipment and our business operations as a whole. WFW has committed itself to environmental stewardship. While continuing to ensure excellent customer service and quality product, WFW is taking the necessary steps to make certain that it has a minimal environmental impact. With sustainability and the continuing drive to stay on the cutting edge of environmental practice, WFW is taking the lead in making the production equipment rental industry green. WFW has a standing Whites Goes Green committee with representation from each region. The committee meets monthly to review best business practices, exchange ideas and suggestions and discuss programs already in place. Programs have been introduced in all of the WFW locations but not all aspects included in the Whites Goes Green master plan are completely functional at all locations. WFW continues to work towards the goal of full implementation across the country.

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4 RECYCLING/REDUCTION Several of the Whites Goes Green initiatives are in practice in more than one department. The following list includes the highlights in each area: ON THE RENTAL FLOOR Broad recycling program (paper, plastic, cardboard, steel, etc.) Recycled pallets used Recycled shipping materials are used (boxes, packing paper etc.) IN MAINTENANCE Used oil is recycled Acid batteries are recycled Worn out tires are recycled Broad bulb recycling program (including fluorescent tubes, HMI, tungsten) Equipment parts are re-used/recycled whenever possible Hazardous/toxic material (i.e. paint cans) are responsibly disposed of IN THE OFFICE Used ink cartridges are recycled Old computers donated to an external recycling program Electronic customer invoicing available Online access to corporate literature, including Newsletters, product specifications All office documents are formatted for maximum efficiency when printed (i.e. reduced margins, smaller/narrower fonts Employees encouraged to bring in their own cups, mugs, dishes and cutlery (to reduce use of plastic/paper products) Organic waste is collected and composted up to 100% post-consumer-recycled paper is used Bottled water purchases are limited Bathroom tissues are made from recycled paper Paper and paper products are recycled (including paper towels, cups, food containers)

5 ENERGY CONSERVATION Saving energy takes the pressure off the grid and reduces emissions with the added bonus of cutting operations costs. ON THE RENTAL FLOOR Length of time that HMI s are tested is limited to a maximum of 15 minutes Shop floor fixtures are bulbed with high efficiency fluorescent tubes Bay doors are not left open unnecessarily Timers are installed on shop lighting and climate control systems IN THE OFFICE Timers are installed on office lighting and climate control systems Lighting is limited to minimal levels after hours

6 EDUCATION Keeping the staff and clients educated, aware and motivated is paramount to the success of our initiative. HIGHLIGHTS: Posting green accomplishments and information in our work place motivates and keeps staff and customers up to date on all things green Providing employees with reusable lunch bags has saved many plastic bags from entering landfills Attending green conferences, trade shows and expos gives our Whites Goes Green committee members the inside edge on new and current environmental thought and technology much of which can be used in our company Whites Goes Green committee members update the staff in their individual regions of all new initiatives, goals and status of ongoing programs

7 GREEN PURCHASING Our staff chooses carefully before purchasing products at use in our buildings. ON THE RENTAL FLOOR Lumber for repairs and construction are purchased from responsible forestry suppliers IN MAINTENANCE Paints, solvents, fuels and materials are environmentally friendly whenever possible IN THE OFFICE Promotional gear for giveaways and advertising are from both socially and environmentally responsible sources. Office cleaners use only environmentally friendly cleaning products Office supplies markers, pens etc. are non toxic A limited amount of disposable eco cups are available for clients/visitors

8 OUTREACH Going green doesn t stop at our doorstep. Commitment to the community is a big part of our initiative. Participating in local tree plants, river/beach clean ups and adopt a highway programs are ways that WFW promotes going green outside of the industry. WFW Vancouver s Jeremy Walsh & Lance Connelly with David Maxwell of ERA (Electronics Recycling Association). WFW donates used computer equipment to this non-profit organization that sets up libraries of computers at local charities and other non-profit groups.

9 RECOGNITION CERTIFICATES

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12 Environmental Certificate This is to certify that William F. White recycles all of their waste paper, cans/bottles, plastics and organics with Papersavers Limited. William F. White has been a client since 2004, and all recyclables removed from their facility located at 1030 Islington Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M8Z 6A4 is handled in an environmentally friendly manner. On average, William F. White is responsible for the recycling of approximately 2400 lbs of waste paper, 420 lbs of cans/bottles, and 350 lbs of organic waste in an average month. William F. White continues to demonstrate environmentally responsible business leadership, while consistently assessing their environmental impact. John Loughlin President Papersavers Limited September 29, 2008

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18 RESOURCES/CONTACTS BRITISH COLUMBIA Reel Green BC Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) MANITOBA Resource Conservation Manitoba Urban Impact Recyclers (604) Nu Life (bulb recycling) (604) Recycle Hotline (604) RECYCLE Green Works Building Supply (604) ONTARIO Green Screen Toronto Recycling Council of Ontario ALBERTA Recycling Council of Alberta SASKATCHEWAN Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council ATLANTIC REGION New Brunswick Solid Waste Association Clean Nova Scotia PEI Waste Management Corporation MMSB (Newfoundland-Labrador)

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