Dharma Merchant Services

When we first conceived of Dharma Merchant Services, we knew that the company should reflect our
strongest beliefs, morals, and intentions. When our founder Jeff came of age in the late 60’s and early
70’s, the social structure and culture was expanding at a stellar rate caused by our society’s compulsion
to question everything. The resulting point of view led to a unique understanding of the
interconnectedness of all things. Inspired by such books as Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and Aldo
Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac, Jeff began to develop a deep sense of stewardship, which he still
takes to heart today.

Naturally, we wanted to operate in an environmentally sound manner and initially, we struggled to
determine what that would really mean – other than the obvious earth friendly practices of reduce,
reuse, and recycle. Ideally, we would partner only with companies that shared our sense of
environmental and social responsibility, but in the bankcard industry, there are simply no alternatives.
Although Jeff is working on a new hemp terminal...

So here is what we have in place that demonstrates our green and/or socially responsible intentions:

Our bank is New Resource Bank, a community-focused, commercial bank dedicated to financing
sustainable business and offering preferred services to non profit organizations. Even the bank’s
physical structure and furnishings are a testament to the highest green standards that set a unique
example for commercial applications.

Our long distance and toll free provider is Working Assets Long Distance - a carrier with which Jeff has
a personal relationship for many years. WALD allows their customers to round up their payment and
then donates a percentage of the bill to worthy causes. They have donated over 50 million dollars
during their existence.

Our hosting company that hosts the www.dharmams.com website is Affordable Internet Services Online
– a 100% solar powered company based in southern California. Reliable, affordable, carbon free –
awesome, huh?

Our printer is Alonzo Printing, a printer dedicated to providing environmentally-friendly printing solutions.
They've been at it for 19 years - they were green before green was "in"!

Our attorney, Teri Shugart, is active in organizations to combat sexual discrimination and harassment.

Our company car is an Altima Hybrid although we all currently walk or take the bus to work.

Our energy use is carbon neutral through PG & E’s ClimateSmart program, but we always use natural
light and ventilation whenever we can.

Our office supplies come from Give Something Back, who donates their profits to charity.

Our paper is 100% post consumer recycled content, of course!

Our water sure as heck isn’t plastic bottled – we have a pitcher that uses a charcoal filter.

Our office coffee – Fair trade and organic. Yum!

Our refuse – everything gets recycled and lunch waste is composted.

Our interests - some organizations we are active members of: Team in Training, Amnesty International,
International Campaign for Tibet, Institute for Noetic Sciences, Technoserve, Sierra Club, Doctors
Without Borders, Population Connection and Green America.

Our raison d’etre – we donate 10% of our gross profits to charitable organizations.

If you would like to offer a suggestion on other ways we can demonstrate our concern for our
environment and/or our support for our community, please send us an email. We'd love to hear from
you!