ForestEthics’ 3rd Annual Catalog Environmental Scorecard Released
Dubbed the ‘Naughty and Nice’ scorecard, in it “21 companies were evaluated according to four criteria: whether or not Endangered Forests are cut to produce the company’s catalogs; whether the company uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper; the amount of post-consumer recycled content in the company’s direct mailings; and the company’s efforts to reduce overall paper consumption.” Capitol One among other financial companies ranked at the bottom for sending out a long of junk mail. Timberland and Bloomingdale’s scored highest for eliminating catalogs altogether.via Environmental Leader
Top 7 Emerging Tools Report for Measuring Ecosystem Services
By the group Business for Social Responsibility, these services performed by plants and animals have collective benefits. See the article for more details (a little too intense for my interest), or check out the pdf.
Environmental Working Group Wants Liquid Soap Pesticide Investigated
A polite letter to say the least; the main issue comes down to the safety of triclosan. Specifically EWG wants the EPA to “comprehensively regulate all sources of triclosan exposure to humans and the environment; fully assess health risks of triclosan to infants, especially breast-feeding infants who may be exposed to this potential endocrine toxicant from multiple sources; conduct a scientifically-valid assessment of environmental exposure, chronic ecotoxicity and long-term effects of triclosan on aquatic life.”
Independent Study Claims EPA Negligent on Hazardous Substance Disclosure
After a newspaper investigated 2,000 filings in EPA registries for dangerous chemicals in the last 3 years, more than half allowed the chemical name to remain undisclosed, while hundreds of other filings didn’t disclose the name or address of the company. Apparently Section 14 of the Toxic Substances Control Act stipulates that chemical producers may not be granted confidentiality when it comes to health and safety data.
Toyota Plans Increased Bioplastic Use for Vehicle Interiors
To be used for a hybrid this year, the company wants 60% of the interiors in ‘selected models’ (subjective phrase for ‘we’ll see’) to use bioplastic in 2010.
Essay: Challenging Consumption
Great piece by Joel Makower on the topic of reducing consumption and that although it has seemed antithetical to marketing, things are beginning to change.
A Sustainable Dilemma: Plastic and Wire Coat Hangers
With all the garments that are imported from overseas, there’s a serious problem with the volume of this functional ‘packaging’ that isn’t being reused or recycled.
The Growth of Product Stewardship
There is a growing movement to make manufacturers of toxic and impractical-to-recycle products, responsible for their collection and disposal at the end of useful life stage. The Joint Framework Principles for Product Stewardship Policy is a collaborative agreement that is gaining ground among advocacy groups around North America. Do check out the article for more details.
Mega Coalition Formed for Greener Food Supply Chain
Called the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops includes big retailers, growers, and NGOs. Neatly categorized into People, Planet, and Profit, “among the list of issues to be addressed are employment processes, pest management and pesticide use, greenhouse gas emissions, packaging use and impacts on soil, water and stormwater.”
New Childrens Product Testing Requirements Leave Retailers Responsible
The law going into effect Feb.10 and passed by Congress, is aimed to keep all products (including clothing) meant for children under 12, free of lead and certain pthalates. A big problem lies with used children’s products, for which thrift stores rely on for a good amount of sales. Under the law, they’d be responsible for testing…which means a lot of merchandise would go straight to landfill. While a reprieve is being sought, it makes you realize the wide economic effect regulation can have.
Honey Marketing: No Standards for Premium Claims
Just to let you know, before you think about picking up that fancy grade. It’s all very sweet and too many calories for me anyway.
If Climate’s a Changing, It Might be Best to Adapt
Looks like proactive measures would be a good idea; I bet reinsurance companies are behind it. The Boston Globe takes a closer look in this article.
California Green Chemistry Wiki
As part of the state’s green chemistry program, “we have created a “wiki” to capture the input of California’s most valuable resource, its people, to spur discussions and ideas as the draft rule is being developed. This wiki invites informal collaboration and input into the rule development process, and encourages all persons to draft regulations they would like to see the State adopt.” Via Green Chemicals blog.
Newly Found Green Algae Could Save the World from Global Warming
Okay, I am being sarcastic here only because the title of the referenced article here is a bit outlandish. The finding is probably quite interesting to certain people, I just happened to really like to infographics - perhaps the best reason to click 
Toxic Coal Ash Spill in Tennessee
Sad to hear about; I’ve never heard of these things. From watching CNN a few days ago, apparently the OG Erin Brokovich is coming out to advise and represent local residents, MANY of whom pleaded with her to come out.
Genetically Modified Plants for Biofuels
A protein is being added to make cellular walls vulnerable to chemicals that would help extract/convert the good energy-yielding matter underneath. (Aside: said in the most scientific way I could).
Ireland: Home to the Future Eco Warrior Enterprises
Well according to the Irish Times at least; I suppose they’d have a reason to be proud to flaunt their other green side. The article looks at research, trends, and three business profiles.
.
.
Au Revoir!
Hello Reader! If you’re new here (and like my writing!), you may want to subscribe in order to get the freshest doses of business & design. Choose from either the RSS feed or get an email subscription (daily or weekly option). Thanks for visiting!
