Coconut and Rice Plastics
University researchers in Texas have learned to use coconut husks as a replacement for polyester fibers in compression-molded composite plastics; particular application includes car trunk liners, floorboards and door covers. In Japan, a company has partnered to expand production of bioplastics made of surplus old rice combined with waste wood. See video for more info.
Green Electronics 2009
The recent Consumer Electronics Show featured a large variety of products focusing on a mix of energy efficiency and eco-friendlier materials. While this represents a vast improvement from 5 years ago, analysts say that “Gadgets will be truly green when companies employ more eco-friendly manufacturing processes, packaging, design and recycling programs as part of a holistic approach to sustainability.” Motorola featured its Renew phone, made from recycled PET.
Electronics Recycling Partnership Launched by Toshiba, Panasonic, and Sharp
I’ve spoken with Panasonic officials in the past who told me about their Electronics Manufacturers Recycling Management program which had been in steady development since 2007. Their recent announcement suggests a stronger commitment and an integrated network of 280 locations as collection centers in the U.S., with plans to expand to 800.
Is Profit a Dirty Word in Cause Marketing?
What do you think? Melodies friend Gennefer Snowfield interviews Joe Waters, Director of Cause Marketing at Boston Medical Center and private consultant, to dig underneath the issue.
40 Million Blog Study Reveals New Insights on Public Perceptions on Sustainability
Janet Eden-Harris of Umbria (I met her; smiley and passionate about her work), talks in this podcast about what people online are saying, and changes over the past year. (Again, the producer should have chosen a shareable media format…last rant for today).
One Google Search Requires the Energy to Make a Cup of Tea
According to one Harvard researcher at least (link includes video). The extended story has been all over the net; personally I don’t believe much in specific attributional analyses in circumstances of highly circumstantial scenarios. Of course given the allegations, Google did respond.
Apple No Like Sustainability Reporting
What a rotten apple! Ok, so this is another story that’s been spreading around. Low down: A shareholder resolution was proposed to require CSR report publishing (citing other electronics manufacturers doing so); Apple’s board issued a proxy filing asking shareholders to vote against it, saying the publication would be an unecessary expense that would “produce little added value.” My suspicions are that they’re promoting certain products like their new 17” Macbook pro as very green, while other products in their portfolio do raise some serious concerns. A formal CSR report would require a satisfactory degree of transparency, which in the end would show more black & whites, which our so dearly beloved Apple feels could hurt brand equity…so they’ll just post standardized “we care about the environment and energy savings” copy on a webpage, but alas leave us no report.
Environmental Defense Fund Launches Innovation Exchange
A new portal for eco-friendly business practices, case studies, and tools.
Hydronic Heating For Clothes Dryers Save Mucho Energy
Dryers currently use either gas or electric coils to heat the air inside. A Florida company that’s received approval from Underwriters Laboratories, claims its technology which uses fluid to heat air, can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and yield an up to 41% drying time reduction.
Cause Marketing and Social Responsibility: Relationships and Strategies
Our pal Gennefer conducts an extensive interview with CSR and marketing consultant Arie Moyal on his perceptions in the field from experience and the role of strategy in reaping long-term benefits.
World Cocoa Foundation Establishes Sustainability Principles and Goals
“Developed over the past two years through discussions among Foundation members, producing country governments, and program partners, the sustainability principles and goals are intended to help guide economic and social development as well as environmental stewardship in cocoa-growing communities around the world.”
The Latest from Andrew Winston
2009: The Year of Light Green Business
Predictions include cost reductions, expanding definition of risk (particularly by banks), continued pressure on suppliers, and increased importance of innovation.
Wal-Mart Chinese Supplier Sustainability Mandates
Signed agreements indicating environmental law compliance (global expansion within 3 years); Increased and stricter audits; Supplier goals in terms of energy efficiency and audit performance; Zero defective merchandise by 2012; Increased supplier transparency to include name and location of every third-party manufacturer; Supplier termination for continued non-compliance.
Why The Economic Downturn Has a Green Lining
Green initiatives will slow down just like everything else, but resource efficiency programs shouldn’t be affected. Using environmental design with a mindset for significant material resource and process reductionism across product development also matters. The Green Wave is here to stay. A referenced report (free with email signup) explains the five forces Andrew sees as imperative to applied green business: (1) resource constraints/commodity prices in the medium and long run, 2) transparency, and pressure from 3) business customers, 4) consumers, and 5) employees
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Au Revoir!
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It’s amazing how many things in our life can be changed for the better and how long some people have known this but have been rejected. I love it! Coconut fiber for floor boards :0) Now that’s Green.