Environmentally Friendly Companies
Companies you can partner with in the fight to save the planet!
With the recent concerns surrounding global warming and mankind’s carbon footprint, many companies have begun to take a closer look at their environmental practices. Some of these companies have been practicing environmental responsibility for several years, others for only a few short years.
One company that strives to make their product as environmentally friendly as possible is Teko Socks. This Boulder based company uses 100% wind energy to power their North Carolina factory. The socks are packaged with minimal, 100% recycled materials. The socks themselves are made from recycled polyester. This is a company that people can buy comfortably knowing that it leaves a minute impact on the planet.
SC Johnson is the maker of many products including Windex, Ziploc, and Glade products. Current television advertising proves that SC Johnson is striving to make their products less environmentally destructive. SC Johnson’s website touts wind power and the use of turbines for several of their factories and using 95% recycled corrugate shipping containers.
During a visit to the Anheuser-Busch plant in Fort Collins, Colorado, I discovered that the “King of Beers” is also striving to leave a smaller carbon footprint. The maker of Budweiser proudly states that they recycle 99% of their waste. They currently recycle 27 million cans annually through their subsidiary recycling company. They also reclaim nutrient-rich leftover water, and use the leftover grains for cattle feed.
Apple Computers is now creating earth friendly computers. New Macs are made with recyclable glass and aluminum and only consumes one light bulb worth of power while operating. Apple also uses mercury-free LED displays and lead-free glass. Apple has banned the use of lead, arsenic, asbestos, cadmium and mercury in all of their products. They have also instituted recycling programs in 95% of the countries where Apple products are sold.
Everyone’s favorite coffee maker not only supports Fairtrade coffee and teas, they also support recycling programs. Starbucks cups and sleeves are made with post-consumer fibers. They also support organizations such as Conservation International. Starbucks even has a link on their website devoted to composting.
These are companies that we can all feel comfortable buying products knowing that the impact on Mother Earth will be minimal.
For more information on the products and companies discussed here, please visit their websites:
www.tekosocks.com www.starbucks.com
www.anheuser-busch.com www.scjohnson.com www.apple.com
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was formed in 1993. The council was created to change the practice of sustainable forestry on a worldwide level. The First General Assembly of the FSC was held in 1993 and its headquarters are now in Bonn, Germany. They are now the strongest international system for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes.
The FSC certifies wood and various made-from-wood products through a series of criteria, principals, and standards that include social, economical, and environmental concerns and have been applied to over 57 countries.
Forest certification includes an assessment made by an outside, independent certifier, using the FSC principals, criteria, and standards. These include: compliance with the laws of the country, indigenous peoples’ rights, environmental impact, community relations and workers’ rights, a management plan, and maintenance of high conservation value forests.
Many of the FSC certified forests are made into lumber and paper. The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Kinko’s are all known to use or sell FSC certified wood or products made from certified forests. Target gift cards are packaged in materials made with FSC products. The logo is visible on the back of the envelope. Forests throughout the US and the world are now being FSC certified.
Products bearing the FSC logo guarantees that the wood came from a certified, well-managed forest. The FSC trademark logo is a checkmark and tree outline the “FSC” below it. Most wood products have this logo stamped somewhere, usually in black. Click the link below to find more information and FSC products available in the United States.
www.FSCUS.org
The FSC certifies wood and various made-from-wood products through a series of criteria, principals, and standards that include social, economical, and environmental concerns and have been applied to over 57 countries.
Forest certification includes an assessment made by an outside, independent certifier, using the FSC principals, criteria, and standards. These include: compliance with the laws of the country, indigenous peoples’ rights, environmental impact, community relations and workers’ rights, a management plan, and maintenance of high conservation value forests.
Many of the FSC certified forests are made into lumber and paper. The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Kinko’s are all known to use or sell FSC certified wood or products made from certified forests. Target gift cards are packaged in materials made with FSC products. The logo is visible on the back of the envelope. Forests throughout the US and the world are now being FSC certified.
Products bearing the FSC logo guarantees that the wood came from a certified, well-managed forest. The FSC trademark logo is a checkmark and tree outline the “FSC” below it. Most wood products have this logo stamped somewhere, usually in black. Click the link below to find more information and FSC products available in the United States.
www.FSCUS.org
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