GAO Report Says the EPA isn’t Curbing E-Waste Exports
The U.S. Government Accountability Office claimed in a study that stateside electronics recycling isn’t happening as being officially reported, and that serious human health and air/water quality effects are being burdened on developing countries.
The Largest Challenges to Creating Greener Products
According to a report by the Aberdeen Group, the top five challenges are “the high cost of developing new technologies, differing regulations around the world, difficulty measuring the ROI on green products, problems understanding the application of regulations, and the new, large capital manufacturing investments required to handle greener materials and greener investments.”
Are Consumer Commitments to Green Products Waning?
An annual report, Going Green, indicates that while Americans continue to care about social and environmental responsibility, their willingness to pay more for green products is decreasing.
U.K. Supermarket Retailer Sainsburys Uses Home Compostable Packaging
To be tested in 40 stores, the decision was to use this type of material over biodegradable options. The latter really only breaks down in industrial composting environments where the temperatures are high enough. But let’s face it, most all of this is going to be landfilled anyway.
New Bioplastics Council Established by American Plastics Companies
Their mission is to: educate the plastics industry, government and value chain; articulate clear and consistent descriptions of the different bioplastics options; and provide strategic advice while promoting harmonization of environmental policies.
U.K. Group Identifies Four Barriers to Recycling
Following a survey, the Waste and Resources Action Programme indicated these as follows: Physical, when collections are unsuitable, unreliable; Behavioral, if people are too busy; Lack of Knowledge of what can be recycled; and Attitudes and Perceptions towards the act of recycling.
IFC Partners with Global Reporting Initiative on 12 Month Project
The International Finance Corporation, a division of the World Bank, is partnering on a research and consultation project to help private enterprises worldwide create new opportunities for women, adopt best practices in sustainability reporting, and improve their bottom lines.
Five Sustainable Branding Principles
Produced by CSR Wire, these are as follows: Integration - Aligning Promise with Practice; Co-Ownership - Leveraging Stakeholders to Create Value; Triple Value Proposition - Deliver Practical, Social, and Tribal Benefits; Inside Out - Sharing an Authentic Brand Story; and Empowering - Realizing our Best Selves and Society. See the article for detailed information.
Seventh Generation’s “Show the World What’s Inside” Campaign
The home and personal care products manufacturer launched a campaign consisting “of a heavy digital push that uses banner ads and a microsite, www.showwhatsinside.com, allowing users to show what’s ‘inside of them’ and provides important tools to take action.”
FDA Releases Guidelines for GMO Products
This Washington Post article elaborates further, but indicates a much stronger stance on animals than on plants and microorganisms.
Is Carbon Labeling on Products of Value to Shoppers?
Likely not. While indeed it can indicate the amount of energy required to produce it, we must question one if an accurate thorough supply chain assessment was taken. But more importantly, do customers care about climate change in regards to products? My opinion is no. They’ll think more about personal health and recyclability, then social responsibility, then lastly energy impact.
Hazardous Substances Still an Important Input for Most Industries
Part II of Marla Cone’s LA Times series further examines the current state of toxic chemical prevalence throughout most industries, and how green chemistry is being adopted at a slow pace.
Research Going to Study Appropriate Crops for a Changing World
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is funding researchers in 15 developing countries. “Crops from banana to sweet potato will be screened to identify material that plant breeders can use to produce varieties adapted to conditions associated with climate change.”
How Is Paper Recycled?
This PDF article by the Technical Association for the Worldwide Pulp, Paper and Converting Industry, gives a pretty good understanding of the process.
Green Office Leasing Explained
Ellen Sinrich explains how a property managers and leasers should work together and the primary areas to be addressed in an office lease.
Xerox and its Eco-Paper Labeling Program
So the big electronics manufacturers all have private-label papers to sell. Sustainable Life Media gives the lowdown on Xerox’s program to explain how its various papers are eco-friendly.
The Advertising Industry & Sustainability
Diana Verde Nieto of Clownfish, describes in this article the nature of material waste in advertising and how the industry is adapting.
Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging Discussion
Whoah, this topic and the commentators sure show that alternative plastics aren’t a panacea in themselves. Give it a read (I promise it’s short). Or you can just read the summary.
Scientist Claims Aviation and Shipping Industry Must Reduce, Not Offset, Carbon Emissions
The Guardian reports how a climate scientist say that allowing the transportation industry to simply offset its emissions is unacceptable to meet future goals.
ISO Standard for Social Responsibility Coming Soon
It’s been in development since Fall 05 and may be available by 2010.
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