The catalog and direct mail industry is showing strong trends toward "greener" forest and paper policies. While there are still some companies that are playing "Grinch," Macy's and Bloomingdale's are at the top of the "Nice" list of companies being recognized by ForestEthics.

The criteria for evaluation consisted of: whether or not endangered forests are cut to produce the company's catalogs; whether the company uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper; the amount of post-consumer recycled content in the company's direct mailings; and the company's efforts to reduce overall paper consumption.

According to ForestEthics, "Macy's/Bloomingdale's followed up their phase-out of Bloomingdale's catalog by increasing post-consumer recycled content from 10% to 30%." For more on the ratings, click here.

Congratulations to all involved in the commitment to be "green" in the selection and use of paper at Macy's/Bloomingdale's!