Wells Fargo was one of the first banks in the industry to offer checks printed on recycled paper. A green stagecoach, signifying Wells Fargo's ecological efforts, appeared on the cover of the Wells Fargo Banker in 1972.

On February 1 that year, Wells Fargo began printing checks on paper that was produced from 86% bagasse  (pronounced buh-GAS') instead of wood pulp. Bagasse is the crushed, juiceless residue  of sugar cane as it comes from the mill, which would simply become industrial waste if not recycled for paper. News of Wells Fargo's “bagasse checks” prompted postcards, letters and phone calls praising the bank's effort at ecology .

Wells Fargo chose bagasse in place of recycled paper  because the latter could not, at that time, meet check-printing requirements. Foreign material in recycled paper could detract from the magnetic readings checks require. Plus, the quality of recycled paper was unsuitable for printing the four-color stagecoach checks.

In 1991, recycled paper had improved for use as checks. Wells Fargo introduced new check designs printed on recycled paper.

"Wells Fargo is committed to using recycled paper in all areas of our business, from stationery to computer paper to loan applications. As a checking customer you see that commitment in monthly account statements and envelope made from recycled paper, as well as in teller receipts and deposit envelopes. Recycling is important to us and our communities and our goal is to do our part to make it work."

It's still a goal today.

Click here to learn more about Wells Fargo's commitment to improving the environment.