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This page describes the efforts Oregon Translation implements in its day-to-day operations to make this world a better place to live. These are inherent practices our company has employed for more than a decade because this is what we believe and live out, what we have learned since we were children, and what we teach our children and business associates.

Buy Local & Fair Trade
- In the face of downward pressure on prices, many translation companies have resorted to contracting with the lowest possible bidder in third-world countries (usually in India, China, and South America). In such cases, translators are often paid very meager wages for their services. One of the reasons such translators accept rates as low as $0.01 USD per word is because they are under-qualified (no university education, not truly competent in the two languages, no experience with specialized terminology, etc.). The results are glaring in the final translation.
Oregon Translation has always set its sights higher. Oregon Translation works primarily with local translators in the Pacific Northwest: 1) because this is our means of implementing the "buy local" attitude to support the regional economy; 2) because these translators have university degrees (often in foreign languages and/or in highly specialized fields); 3) because this enables us to establish face-to-face, trusting relationships with our team members, which means projects are handled more efficiently and more effectively; and 4) because there are no time-zone delays.
In the interests of full disclosure, possible exceptions to this company guideline for "buying local" come into play when a project has specialized requirements that cannot be fulfilled by local language professionals: an unusual language combination, specialized terminology, or peak demand. In those cases, we still aim to work with trusted and trained translators in North America or Western Europe.

- Oregon Translation pays living wages to our vendors. Oregon Translation pays vendors promptly, without making their payment contingent upon when Oregon Translation may receive payment from its upstream customer.

At the Office
- Telecommute: Oregon Translation has an office in the multi-use community at the Beaverton Round and directly accessible by light-rail (Beaverton Central MAX stop). This arrangement allows us the use of mail, receptionist, meeting and office space, and other business services. Yet, we frequently save fuel and transportation expenses by telecommuting often (upwards of 60% of the time). (This is why we kindly recommend that you schedule meetings with us.)

- Reduce: Oregon Translation almost exclusively delivers its work products and invoices via electronic means. We have also taken major strides to minimize printing within our office. These steps reduce our consumption of paper and toner and extend the longevity of our printers.

- Reuse: We purchase recycled paper and other consumable supplies wherever possible. When available, we purchase used dictionaries and books from Powell's City of Books (buy local and used). Styrofoam and packing peanuts are contributed to a local postal facility where they are gratefully re-used.

- Recycle aggressively: Oregon Translation collects and properly recycles paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, most plastics and plastic bags, printer toner, styrofoam, etc.

- Energy efficiency: Oregon Translation uses hallogen or CFL bulbs in all our light fixtures.

Our Technology Tools
- Oregon Translation's Web site is hosted by Canvas Dreams, a technology company that strongly emphasizes Wind power and energy efficiency.

- Oregon Translation employ a high-end, US-based, VOIP phone system (also maintained by Canvas Dreams), so we can be reached seamlessly even on the days we telecommute.

- E-cycle: When electronics components reach the end of their usable life, we take them to E-Tech Recycling, a responsible, nationally recognized and ISO-certified recycler that has a local office in Beaverton, Oregon.

- Reuse: Old CDs and DVDs serve as colorful drink coasters.

- Energy efficiency: Computer monitors are turned off even when we only step away for a coffee break or long phone call. Computers and printers are also turned off overnight.