Over ten years ago, Riker Danzig introduced “Riker Goes Green,” a variety of environmentally-responsible initiatives, in an effort to make a positive impact on the environment. Since that time, we have paid close attention to sustainability research and practices, actively looking for areas where we could make changes that would have a measurable impact, and have made numerous improvements to reduce the environmental impact of the firm’s operations.
Environmentally Responsible Business Practices
Since introducing our initial sustainability program, we have implemented a number of environmentally responsible business practices, including:
Responsible Procurement
- Purchasing post-consumer recycled paper
- Purchasing recycled printer toner cartridges
- Using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies
Energy Efficiency
- Converting to energy efficient light bulbs
- Purchasing Energy Star compliant electronics and appliances
- Server consolidation
- Utilizing computer equipment and printers which hibernate for energy savings
- LCD monitors replacing CRT
- Advising employees to shut down computers and other office equipment at night
- Turning lights off in unused spaces
Waste Reduction
- Recycling electronics
- Recycling toner cartridges
- Recycling and reducing paper usage by converting all printers to duplex printing
- Recycling aluminum cans and plastics
- Providing employees with reusable drinking cups
Sustainable Business Practices
- Reducing the use of paper by effectively utilizing:
- Electronic distribution of most firm-wide memos and faxes
- Electronic distribution of holiday cards, Partner announcements and marketing communications
- Integrated scanning, copying and faxing into each department
Hands-On Involvement and Recognition
Riker Danzig attorneys and employees also support sustainability and the environment through community engagement and pro bono activities.
For instance, partner Jeffrey M. Beyer has demonstrated his commitment to sustainability by serving as a board member for Grow It Green Morristown, a charitable organization in our backyard that creates sustainable farms and gardens, and educates communities on healthy eating and environmental stewardship. In recognition of this commitment, Jeff and Riker Danzig received a CIANJ Environmental Leadership Award. The Firm itself also has gotten involved with the mission of Grow It Green, hosting periodic volunteer events for our employees.
In another example of our strong support for sustainable initiatives, attorneys in our Environmental Group are helping community gardens in New Jersey to develop regulatory amendments to encourage small-scale composting activities without prohibitively expensive permits. Riker Danzig is fortunate to have Sustainability, Waste Management and Renewable Energy as a focus area of our Environmental Practice. Our environmental attorneys, who inform our own sustainability efforts, are sought out speakers and authors on these topics, and are actively engaged with relevant industry groups.
Energized Commitment to Sustainability
We continually expand upon our sustainability initiatives by vetting vendors, forming relationships with sustainable companies, and educating our employees about the personal and professional benefits of going green. By working together, we hope to continue to build upon our progress and create more sustainable practices.
