The other day, as I was shopping for kitchen supplies for my new apartment, I came across a box of drinking glasses. The box was simple and utilitarian: it was made with cardboard and printed on with black ink, and it was labeled “Eco-friendly” at the bottom, proudly displaying the words, “Made with recycled cardboard and soy ink.”

Immediately I thought, “That’s great! Soy ink is a much more sustainable printing solution!” Then I realized that I had no clear idea of what traditional ink is made from and put the box back down, feeling too ashamed to continue shopping. Well, as it turns out, soy-based ink is indeed better for the environment and easier to recycle than the average petroleum-based ink, but the point stands that, at least at first, we all fall for the words on the package. Read the full story

Last week, I linked to a TriplePundit post about the death of the words “green” and “sustainability,” asking what words we should replace them with, if we should replace them at all. The piece’s author, William Brent, suggests “red and black” and “sustaINABILITY” as phrases that are more honest and indicative of the current state of the environmentalist movement. I find both of those expressions demoralizing and unhelpful. Sure, “green” carries as little meaning as “organic” these days, but do we really need to introduce the public to a new set of colors to identify such a divergent array of efforts? Read the full story

Our friends at Triple Pundit have posted a thought-provoking article about the erosion of the environmentalist language we use. Do words like “sustainable” or “green” impart any significance or are they merely the PR-friendly, self-congratulating currency we pass around to mask a lack of real understanding or change? This is the question William Brent, the piece’s author, forces us to think about. He writes,

“I’m not sure the term ‘Green’ does more than add another cool-sounding, but largely meaningless term to the existing lexicon of self-indulgence.” Read the full story

Didn’t you read the title? Stop whatever you’re doing. If you care about the environment, turn off your computer right now.

Do it.

Seriously, do it.

I’m waiting.

…

Still here? I thought so. Read the full story

It’s hard to imagine a world without Starbucks. The coffee giant serves almost six million customers a day or 2,190,000,000 beverages a year. That’s enough to give every American seven grande cappucinos (though I’m sure there are quite a few people who drink about that amount daily). There’s no denying the power and influence Starbucks has over not only the United States, but the whole world. Read the full story

The first step companies tend to take when ‘going green’ is assure they are in compliance with government regulations. Not much teeth in most regulations though. This will change, and today’s WSJ reports on those beginnings. If carbon dioxide does get designated as a ‘danger to public health’ this would be a sure sign that companies should plan on tighter regulation.

I would advise businesses to pay attention. You have time to act, but no better time to prepare. At a minimum, pay attention to the law and begin to think about the implications for your business.

Poor man wanna be rich,
Rich man wanna be king,
And a king ain’t satisfied
Til he rules everything.
Bruce Springsteen, Badlands

Dear Environmentalist,

Thanks for your passion and for doing so much to bring attention to the environmental disaster we are heading for. I applaud your science and the clarity of your argument and mostly for the energy and commitment you bring to the cause. Taking the argument to the business community is brave and necessary – we need to change the behavior of the uncommitted. Read the full story

I don’t give a damn for the same old played out scenes
I don’t give a damn for just the in-betweens.
Honey I want the heart, I want the soul, I want control right now.
You better listen to me baby:
Talk about a dream; try to make it real.
Bruce Springsteen, Badlands

Dear Business Owner,

I am one of you. I love income statements and profit. I believe that your business should operate in a way that assures its long-term success. I don’t think that corporate responsibility should be a cost. Read the full story