Proposed CA Law and Electronic Devices
California Bill AB 218 would conditionally phase out certain hazardous materials from ‘covered electronic devices’ sold in the state beginning 2010. It would follow the guidelines of the European Union’s RoHS Directive (restriction on hazardous substances). As of May 12, the bill was motioned: “Do pass, but re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations.”
Can Cell Phones be Green?
Outline of sustainable mobile phone manufacturing & life cycles.
Green MBAs
Graduate level education on sustainability & CSR is increasing along with recruitment.
Dell Works to Decrease Packaging by Seeking Feedback
Just what it says…
CVS Drugstore Highlights Changes with its First CSR Report
Retailer plans replacing ‘questionable’ chemicals & materials in its private label products, and pledges to reduce energy use.
New Pepsi Bottle Uses 20% Less Plastic
It also has a smaller label size; Reductionism can go a long way.
TerraCycle Office Products
This company poster-boyed the business press last year with worm poop-based fertilizer that rivaled market leader MiracleGrow. Since then, they’ve expanded their product lines to include office products made from recycled materials - in this case: Capri Sun pouches (U.S. juice drink). This YouTube video shows how they’re made. OfficeMax has decided to carry some of these office products.
Survey Shows what Green-Minded Consumers Want
Quick findings from Cone LLC and The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, show consumers want standardized oversight in green marketing. The survey gives the following recommendations to companies: Be Precise, Relevant, a Resource, Consistent, and Realistic in organizational communications. (Original Source: Sustainable Products Blog).
Interview: Organic Food Labeling
Brief interview with Bob Scowcroft, Executive Director for the Organic Farming Research Foundation, where he discusses common issues & concerns in labeling.
Consumer Desire v. Purchasing Behavior with Green Products
Interesting findings on variables that influence green purchasing behavior.
Should Green Businesses go Big for a Greater Impact?
Seth Goldman, founder of Honest Tea, sold 40% of his company to Coca-Cola in February. Some folks claim he’s turned over the company to big corporate evil brother. Here, he discusses some reasoning behind the deal and makes the point that large capital investment and co-ownership with much larger partners can have a substantial impact on supply chain sourcing, distribution, and marketing with the larger publics that are still relevant and aligned with a company’s ethics and brand values.
Paper: Purchasing First, Recycling Second
Responsible paper purchasing policies are the first step toward creating a more sustainable world; recycling comes afterward.
54 Gram Recyclable Plastic Wine Bottle
A PET (Poly-Ethylene) wine bottle could save shipping weight and reduce the energy needed for recycling (compared to glass). This manufacturer has an internal protective coating for the wine, that poses no problem for recycling.
40% Chalk + Polymers = ‘Ecolean’ Food Packaging
A Swedish manufacturer provides an alternative packaging solution to competitive plastic containment and some ‘Tetra Pak’ products.
Jordan Organic Cereals Heralded for Achievement
Apparently quite an accomplishment, this article goes into some materials-science detail I’ll spare your precious head
Bottom-Line Impact Assessments Make for Better Proposals
Cost reductions, not altruism or green image marketing, are often better motivators for changes in manufacturing. This article also briefly discusses future-related carbon costs.
Quick Guide to PLAs and BioplasticsThis article gives a good summary to this emerging material(s).
Sustainable Apparel Sales Surge and the Rise of Organic Cotton
Mass merchandisers will drive so-called sustainable clothing; They sold 30% of it last year.
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For additional insights and stories, see the websites under “Sustainability” on my website.


{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice list. Thanks
Thanks Gloria for stopping by. I hope these stories & my summaries are beneficial to readers.