Linking Education to Greener Companies
Joel explores the role educating employees about the values of sustainable behaviors to environmental impact and the bottom line, affects actual performance. Using a few studies and personal experiences, his conclusion is that “while workers may not seek out information about the environmental impacts of their company, they would do well to receive it anyway. A wide range of companies have found that once employees are empowered to identify opportunities to cut waste and improve their company’s environmental performance, they usually step up to the task.”
China Proposes Climate Technology Transfer Plans for Developing Countries
In addition to suggesting richer nations set aside 1% of GDP for development aid, they stressed the importance of developing tech transfer mechanisms which would simultaneously provide IP protection and improved efficacy.
Administrative and Technical Difficulties Hinder Africa from Kyoto Carbon Offset Programs
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a means under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to offset their own carbon emission through GHG reduction projects in developing countries. Out of 1,192 projects since 2005, only 25 are in Africa. A Senegalese environmental minister said “This is a market-driven process and investors will opt for those who have the most to offer,” and apparently without big hassle.
Six Factors in Making Green Shipping Work
Not all shipments are time-sensitive and need to be delivered ultra fast. Delayed deliveries can make an environmental difference without compromising customer service. But as Todd Mallett points out, there are some key factors to make it work: impact metrics, disciplined load planning, visibility into idle waste, right turns, alternative transport modes, and flexible load times. See the article for details on each.
The Case for Sustainability Initiatives to be Integrated into Organizations
Great short article and followup comments. Yes it’s a philosophical construct, but from a systems design perspective it makes a lot of sense. Without integration, organizational initiatives wander.
SAP Issues First Sustainability Report and Calls for Feedback
Quoted: “Using Web 2.0 tools, SAP is fostering an exchange with key stakeholders to challenge and guide SAP’s approach to sustainability. Interested parties can log on to the SAP Collaboration Workspace to share their views on SAP’s sustainability efforts, secure feedback directly from SAP and interact with other like-minded stakeholders. SAP has also arranged for an online sustainability stakeholder survey at http://www.sapvote.com/ and set up a direct email address for inquiries and feedback at sap_sustainability@sap.com.”
Wal-Mart to Improve and Expand the Packaging Scorecard Program
Includes expanding the program in 8 international countries by 2010; Metrics will be adjusted to focus more on GHG and weight reduction goals; Improved analysis & reporting software features for suppliers; and Systemic improvements in China among other goals. (via Environmental Leader)
Greener Marketing by Moving Customer Communications from Print to Email
Chris Lovejoy writes in this article for MarketingProfs the advantages for consumers and advertisers, including the considerations and steps to make it happen.
EcoLogo to Update Green Events Certification Criteria
This standards organization is expanding its event certification program and is calling for public input until Dec. 5th. See the article for more info.
UN Legislation Seeks to Define Equitable and Reasonable Trans-Border Aquifer Use
With water becoming an ever more important resource in decades to come, how aquifers that cross geographical boundaries are used will come into greater contention. This New Scientist article explains the issue quite well.
Mini Nuclear Power Plants: A Viable Energy Solution?
What do you think? According to scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratories, plants the size of a garden shed and buried underground could be available in 5 years. They’d be able to power 20,000 homes and last a long time. This is no idealistic pipe dream. Companies like Hyperion and Toshiba are already developing commercial models.
China’s Premier Wen Jiabao: Developed Nations Should Abandon “Unsustainable Lifestyles”
Way to go Wen! He and a UN official urged industrialized nations to adjust their lifestyles and investments in order to tackle global climate change.
Will Low Fuel Prices Decrease Demand for Alternatives, Like the 1980s Saw?
The CS Monitor outlines the history and economics of alternative fuels. Makes you wonder…
HP Expands Ink and LaserJet Cartridge Recycling Program Through Retail Partnerships
As part of its Planet Partner programs, Staples will begin accepting cartridges for recycling, with additional authorized retail partners named in early 2009. Well it’s about time this sector started a viable take-back program. While Staples offers $3 in patronage rewards for each cartridge, I’d like to see an HP coupon that can be taken to any retailer for ink discounts in exchange for cartridges; but I understand that could be quite complicated.
UPS Cuts Down Paper Shipping Labels Through HP Device
Quoted: “As a package enters a UPS center for sorting, a UPS employee uses the HP device to scan the shipping label. The device obtains the proper sorting information from a UPS database via a WiFi network inside the facility, then prints those instructions directly onto the package using a specially formulated, fast-drying HP ink.” With full implementation, it will save UPS 1,338 tons of paper each year.
Nitrogen Trifluoride: A Growing and Powerful Greenhouse Gas
Oh, and it’s not covered in the Kyoto Protocol. Widely used in the high-tech manufacturing industry, it was claimed in the late 90s as a great means to reduce the sector’s contribution to global warming. But a Scripps Institute study last month indicated that it’s 17,000x stronger than CO2, and rapidly increasing in the atmosphere.
Dell Extends Free Recycling Program to 1,500 Staples Stores
Started in mid-2007, the 3rd party assisted program will be expanded to more Staples stores which accept monitors, printers, computers, and peripherals.
Sun Updates OpenEco.org: An Online Tool GHG Measurement & Reduction
The new 2.0 version allows companies to track and account for an expanded carbon footprint using industry-standard metrics. See the video or check out the website.
Environmental Orgs and Big Corporates: A Relationship Too Cozy?
Environmental nonprofits need money to operate and big corporations are always welcome donors. But where does the ethical line draw? This article looks at some of the relationship problems that can hurt the credibility of environmental groups (via Sustainable Life Media).
Paper: Consume Less to Make a Big Difference
The paper industry contributes about 10% of global carbon emissions, and uses a lot of water. Tony Juniper explains in this article the extent of paper’s environmental impact and encourages that the most important step society can make is to consume less of it.
U.S. Army Releases First Sustainability Report
And they’re a big adopter of LEED building standards; a whopping 78% of 2007 projects were designed to them. In 7 years they plan to have reduced GHG emissions by 30%. Considering all the divisions of the Army, that is one PDF report (even the abstract) I’d never want to read I believe you 
Brita to Recycle Filters
Big news! With enough pressure (and probably planning on their part - I’ll give them that), they’ll be partnering with a company called Preserve to collect and recycle the polypropylene filters. Beginning in January, customers can either send their filters via mailers to Preserve, or drop them off at participating Whole Foods supermarkets. All in all, a good first step.
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