TerraCycle to UPCYCLE its revenue!

TerraCycle Inc. is just eight years old. It was founded by a Princeton University freshman named Tom Szaky. However, today, this company is growing FAST. According to GreenBiz.com, "Chief Executive Tom Szaky said the firm expected sales of its "up-cycled" bags, pencil cases, and garden products to hit $10 million (£6.1m) this year, before increasing to $50 million during 2010." So how'd he do it? With passion for sustainable living and a cool new word for recycling. The term "upcycle" means to reuse non-recyclable waste materials and create eco-friendly products like a "Drink Pouch Backpack" or "Cookie Wrapper Pencil Case." Watch for this growing GREEN company!

Soy-Based Toner for HP Printers

A BIG step in the right direction. The Soy-based toner is only available is some HP products, but it is on the market!

Kimpton, Boutique Hotel Chain, opens first LEED registered hotel in Philly

Last summer I worked for Kimpton, so this news is very exciting to me. At the property that I worked, I felt that management could do a whole lot more to make the property eco-friendly and less wasteful rather than waiting for corporate to enforce their GREEN company policies, but I digress. The Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is the only LEED registered hotel in the city, and it is eco-friendly as well as pet friendly. A few of the GREEN amenities are, an integrated recycling program for cups and clothes hangers, paperless guest check-in/out service, and unused and partially used bath amenities to be donated to community programs. If you noticed, the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is only LEED registered, applying to be LEED Building certified. "Approximately 60 to 90 days after opening, Kimpton will know the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia’s final LEED status," according to Green Lodging News.

Owens Corning reports big GREEN results for FY 2008

Even if you're not familiar with the name, you encounter Owens Corning products on a daily basis. They are the world leading manufacturer of fiberglass and foam insulation for both the private and public sectors. Better yet, their mascot is The Pink Panther! This year that have proven their commitment to the environment. According to the company's third annual 2008 sustainability report, OC has reduced its energy consumption by 11 percent, water use by 3 percent, and greenhouse gas emissions by 9 percent compared to the previous year. Along with results like these, Owens Corning has managed to continue a healthy economic growth as well. Overall net sales were up in 2008 to $5,847M from $4,978M in 2007. "We have found creative ways to continue our progress in reducing the environmental footprint of our operations-thanks to the commitment of our worldwide employees," writes The Chief Sustainability Officer, Frank O'Brien-Bernini, in the 2008 sustainability report.

Gap Inc. Exceeds Expectations

Gap Inc. announced that it has reduced greenhouse gas emmissions (GHG) by 20% from 2003- 2008 and exceeded its five-year U.S. EPA Climate Leaders goal of 11%. The progress report is available to the public on the Gap Inc. Social Responsibilty website. As a global apparel company their GREEN efforts are very admirable. By accepting the challenging of becoming a EPA Climate Leader, Gap Inc. has proven that it is possible to do business and protect the environement. Even better, their accomplishments have gained national attention. It's great to hear about the US companies that claim to use sustainable, environmentally-friendly business practices AND have quantifiable proof of their GREEN efforts. Likewise, this is great publicity for Gap Inc. that can only help to increase sales and highlight the brands that make up this progressive company.

Timberland cleans up their footprint in the Amazon

The leading manufacturer and retailer of leather boots and shoes announced today that they will work to reduce their ecological footprint in the rain forest and partner with their Brazilian leather suppliers in their efforts. The suppliers must be in agreement with the company by August 15th in order to maintain their working relationship with Timberland. Notably, they are the second major shoe manufacturer, behind Nike, within this year, to reevaluate their supply chain and its effect on the environment. Well I wonder why? For decades these companies did not own up to their influences on their suppliers and the communities and natural environments in which they operated. Now, there is no denying their abuse of natural resources. we will definitely have to stay informed about the company's progress in cleaning up the Amazon Biome. To do so, you can check out their eco-friendly blog or for a more different perspective see GreenBiz.com

Be aware of GREENWASH

The term greenwashing was coined by an environmentalist from New York, Jay Westerveld. He used this term in an essay to describe the ill will "green" marketing strategies of the local hotels. These establishments would attract guest with what a appeared to be a GREEN campaign against wasting natural resources, yet it was only a ploy to increase profits. They placed green placards in each room and encouraged guests to reuse their towels but past this, no real efforts were made on the part of these hotels. They only greened aspects of the guests stay at the hotel, ones that they could easily recognize, and not the hotel's operations and business practices.

More than ever, GREEN critics and surveyors have learned how to distinguish the genuine GREEN companies and initiatives from the rest. Prime example, in today's news, Johnson & Johnson reported that their company is on track to meet their goal of reducing carbon emissions by 7 percent by 2010, using 1990 as their benchmark. They have all kinds of facts and numbers to prove that they will meet their goal, but even still, somehow, their emissions manage to grow 3.3 percent in the year 2008 compared to teh year before. Now, how do they explain that? In the company's 12 sustainability report, they have acknowledge that their goal is "more aggressive than anticipated." They are working to become more energy efficient across various elements. Though carbon emissions increased in 2008, J&J reduced all waste by 16 percent and water use by 8.7 percent. Not bad at all for a company of their size with an extensive, global product line; however, we as a society must still hold them accountable. They must deliver on their overall carbon emissions goals too. It is not enough to say, "well they did decreased their X, Y, and Z, so its not a big deal if their A increases just a little bit." No! Please do not be deceived. This is yet another form of greenwashing.

Company's like J&J may have good intentions to help save the planet, but that is still no excuse to let them make exaggerated promises to the public, advertise it with their products and services, and manipulate consumers while increasing their profits. It is important that we remain informed and up-to-date on industry leaders and their GREEN promises. Consumer awareness drives corporate social responsibility, which instills accountability and this leads to real change.

WOW. Bravo JT!

Singer, actor Justin Timberlake has set the bar pretty high in green golfing and now owns America's first golf course with a Audubon International Classic Sanctuary distinction. Located in his hometown, Memphis, TN, Mirimichi was his childhood golf course where he first learned to play the game. In 2007 Timberlake and his family bought the property and are now working towards LEED Platinum certification for the building in 2011. Mirimichi means "place of happy retreat." This is an excellent attraction for the city of Memphis. Justin Timberlake and his family have invested they're resources into a local treasure, making it GREEN and sustainable.

Sustainable (and profitable) Tourism

Hotels, Spas Enjoy Big Savings from Green Projects

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Coca-Cola Enterprises' Commitment 2020

Coca-Cola Enterprises To Cut Carbon Footprint 15%

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A new record-setting GREEN building feature

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc will be the proud owners of the largest living wall in North America, pending municipal approval, to be intalled in septemebr. My first thought, "Will this be costly to maintain and water?" Not hardly! It is reported that the wall is estimated to require only a 15 mintue watering PER WEEK. Along with its weekly, man-made rain fall, the living wall is sure to have a natural irrigation system being that it will be located at their headquaters in Pittsberg. The 2,380 square-foot, soil based portrait is not just for show. It will also contribute to cooling this GREEN building. "The wall will be a fitting reminder that PNC is the world-leader in green building," commented PNC Director of Corporate Real Estate, Gary Saulson.

Above is a rendering of the living wall design.

B&N and the new era of digital reading

The world's largest chain of bookstores will be launching a mega e-bookstore at BN.com. Not only will it be competing with Amazon.com by selling books via the Web at competitive prices, but it will also be "contributing to the growth of the whole category of digital reading,” offering more than 700,000 books that can be read on your favorite mobile devices including the iPhone and various BlackBerry models. B&N's future in the e-bookstore industry looks promising in a number of ways. More importantly this is yet another contribution to the GREEN movement. With technology and being knowledge about our environment's limited resources businesses are thinking GREEN and are more inclined today to implement sustainable business practices to improve profits, change with consumer demand, or otherwise.

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: ENN -- Know Your Environment

Looking for a GREEN job? Well check this list out! The Top Ten GREEN Jobs of 2008 with Salaries over 100K:
Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: ENN -- Know Your Environment

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