Similarities Between The Recent Gulf Spill And Previous Oil Disasters

Anybody that was alive plus of age in 1989 most likely recalls the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill that took place inside Prince William Sound off the coast of Alaska. The spill threw out approximately 750,000 gallons of crude oil. The outcome was devastating and it even resonates these days, greater than 20 years afterward, made more relevant by the recent Deepwater Horizon Spill within the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s take a look at the impact of the Exxon Valdez at present.

Efforts continue to be ongoing in cleaning up the after effects of this enormous tragedy, Eco Bags but the results are worse than people feared. Wikipedia shows that research concludes even today the spill is having an impact that affects the area habitats around the Prince William Sound vicinity. Subsistence need to be shunned and things including wildlife of the lesser known variety of tiny creatures are always feeling the impacts.

The extreme impact to area people in Alaska is still continuing and that is certainly part of the cleanup procedure, as well. An article by David Ferrara recently indicates that lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez spill are helping individuals in the Gulf area to get by. Mental health issues are an appreciable part of the human distress in the spill area, although even those far removed from that region of Alaska still ended up footing the bill. This kind of secondary effect of the cleanup, as Chris Genovali shows in his editorial, Reusable Bags signifies that taxpayers have paid upwards of $8 billion to clean up the region.

The costs should likely continue on for decades, but that doesn’t suggest we can’t take action right away to ensure this never happens again. Oil just isn’t just for fuel, it is needed to make plastics, too. This is why green are embraced in a big way in recent years. As a result of helping decrease the demand for petroleum, we can take a stand and help out. Little changes such as turning to eco friendly are helping create less trash for the environment. We may not be able to clean up a massive tanker spill,Reusable Shopping Bags and Reusable Grocery Bags however all of us could make a little difference in our own way, whether or not it is with bags or else reduced energy consumption.

Clearly, the world just isn’t yet over the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. The efforts continue and the costs mount, nevertheless one day if we continue our minor improvements things may return to normal once again. Primarily, we wish to make the adjustments that will push us in the direction of a cleaner future consisting of less dependence on hazardous chemical substances in our daily lives and less waste produced, as well.

Reviewing The Lessons Learned From The Exxon Valdez

Anybody that was alive plus of age in 1989 most likely recalls the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill that took place inside Prince William Sound off the coast of Alaska. The spill threw out approximately 750,000 gallons of crude oil. The outcome was devastating and it even resonates these days, greater than 20 years afterward, made more relevant by the recent Deepwater Horizon Spill within the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s take a look at the impact of the Exxon Valdez at present.

Efforts continue to be ongoing in cleaning up the after effects of this enormous tragedy, Eco Bags but the results are worse than people feared. Wikipedia shows that research concludes even today the spill is having an impact that affects the area habitats around the Prince William Sound vicinity. Subsistence need to be shunned and things including wildlife of the lesser known variety of tiny creatures are always feeling the impacts.

The extreme impact to area people in Alaska is still continuing and that is certainly part of the cleanup procedure, as well. An article by David Ferrara recently indicates that lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez spill are helping individuals in the Gulf area to get by. Mental health issues are an appreciable part of the human distress in the spill area, although even those far removed from that region of Alaska still ended up footing the bill. This kind of secondary effect of the cleanup, as Chris Genovali shows in his editorial, Reusable Bags signifies that taxpayers have paid upwards of $8 billion to clean up the region.

The costs should likely continue on for decades, but that doesn’t suggest we can’t take action right away to ensure this never happens again. Oil just isn’t just for fuel, it is needed to make plastics, too. This is why green are embraced in a big way in recent years. As a result of helping decrease the demand for petroleum, we can take a stand and help out. Little changes such as turning to eco friendly are helping create less trash for the environment. We may not be able to clean up a massive tanker spill,Reusable Shopping Bags and Reusable Grocery Bags however all of us could make a little difference in our own way, whether or not it is with bags or else reduced energy consumption.

Clearly, the world just isn’t yet over the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. The efforts continue and the costs mount, nevertheless one day if we continue our minor improvements things may return to normal once again. Primarily, we wish to make the adjustments that will push us in the direction of a cleaner future consisting of less dependence on hazardous chemical substances in our daily lives and less waste produced, as well.

The Environment And Eco Friendly Shopping Bags

For those people who do not spend our lives at sea, we most likely are not that well aware of just where plastic bags so often end up. It turns out, several of these, together with other plastic products, are ending up in substantial floating bulks of plastic called gyres that drift across the oceans of Earth today. This is unquestionably not a good thing and even though most of us are aware of the existence of Reusable Bags, we may have not yet found the main reason to use them. So let’s take a deeper look.

As all this rubbish flows all throughout our oceans, it is sometimes eaten by tiny creatures who’re then eaten by bigger creatures. Further up the food chain it goes until larger birds, fish plus other animals literally die from ingestion of chemical compounds that are not present within Eco Bags. This is often where non environmentally friendly bags wind up after the blow away from us. Therefore whereas we might not be anywhere near the sea, we can be impacting it in our daily life.

People are starting to try and do things to prevent these enormous garbage patches in our oceans. As for instance, Karin Schollin at reports that Electrolux, the Swedish vaccuum maker, is aiming to literally try and is holding an art event to help increase public understanding of what’s going with these garbage islands.

Several solutions are being employed and several more can help. We do not need to be specialists or activists to do something as small as switch to eco or purchase products with less to throw away. Everyone is just one human being, Reusable Grocery Bags but while we begin to accumulate an increasing number of individuals taking action to end this madness, we can transform the future we’re looking at nowadays.

As you can see, the garbage gyres within the 7 oceans are beyond disturbing. People are taking action in huge ways, though, although the greatest part is that we can all do something to make an impact. That is how we can change the world just through our daily choices in life.

It turns out that Earth’s oceans have what are known as gyres, currents which stream across the planet. Previously, numerous plants and animals in our seas relied on these to travel through the world’s marine ecosystems. Today, however, these systems are stuffed with garbage. Even Wikipedia shows that the Pacific Trash Vortex is not a fabrication of our imagination. There are actually huge quantities of plastics, Reusable Shopping Bags toxic chemical substances and several other non biodegradable man made materials floating in the earth’s seas these days.

The Eco Friendly Customer Is Always Right

With an environmental catastrophe in the Gulf taking over the news in recent weeks, at present more than ever, people from all backgrounds understand the massive environmental requirement for adjustments in our individual choices and cumulative behavior and also for companies’ organizational culture and dedication to our one and only Planet’s future. Similar to the way that smoking has basically been pressed away from indoor public spaces moreover why it is not socially tolerable to text or chat on the phone whilst driving, we have also practically arrived at the tipping point for cultural awareness when it comes to reducing, reusing, and recycling.

The public embraces it, and so the eco progress will continue to increase briskly. Any big corporation that is not continuously researching its processes and methods for eco friendliness will face a possible public relations nightmare over the next decade and beyond. It’s crucial for small business owners and large corporations to solidify their eco conscious reputation too. Corporations must always remember that consumers possess choices. While customers critique sustainability in their own lives, they’ll also be contemplating your business. It will be more important than ever to show these possible customers your corporate steadfastness to green practices.

It is really easy to go green and help the natural environment. A very common means for a business to go green is via starting some kind of company recycling program in the workplace. As a matter of fact, the most recent trend is to remove the necessity to recycle altogether whenever feasible. Easy green methods consist of having your employees and customers go paperless as well as handing out reusable stainless steel water bottles and reusable coffee mugs to help cut down the use of disposables. Another good way is to simply remember to turn the lights and business machines off when going home from the workplace. Individual conditions will differ, however you will likely find that lots of localities do not offer open recycling options for the community, nor do they do a lot to encourage people or businesses to go green as of yet.

If your business finds a way to execute sustainable and recyclable business methods and office culture, despite existing roadblocks, then do not hesitate to blog about it as well as brag about it in a press release, and tell the story of your company’s eco consciousness and commitment to the environment. Be an advocate to your neighborhood, and help take out the barriers to recycling, with the practice of thousands of businesses we could inspire millions of consumers to make shifts of their way of life producing epic and fundamental change. The additional efforts to look after our earth during this period will eventually be recognized, improving your organization’s reputation as an eco leader and pioneer.

You can also benefit by making going green an integral part of your advertising approach. Passing out eco custom bags at trade shows and career fairs is a subtle means to produce a memorable experience and encourage eco consciousness and awareness of world-wide green matters. Trade shows and job fairs are an excellent example of where your company must stand out over the competition, and eco friendly custom bags are an effective way to do just that. Not only do you pass out a reusable item together with your company’s brand and insignia that stays with the prospect for a long time but you happen to be presenting your corporate sense and devotion with the usage of sustainable and recyclable items. In this lackluster economy, your business must be admirable and unforgettable in the eyes of each probable customer, vendor, colleague and even a talented candidate for employment. Generally, a final decision isn’t made on the spot, so you must stand out and forever stay in the prospect’s mind, customized recycled trade show bags made entirely of one use plastic water bottles is a cheap and sociably admirable marketing technique as well as an ideal way to leave a quality long lasting impact on your audience and our Planet’s fragile future.

Companies Today Are Waking Up To The Economics Of Being Eco Friendly

All round the globe, folks are waking up to the truth that the environment of the planet we live in is being negatively effected through the economic activities that just a century ago seemed routine. We are stopping to consider, as consumers, what we could do to try and resolve the problems the globe faces as one. This is bringing businesses to the forefront as entities that will take charge of the way they function and try and do good for the world with their business procedures. Let’s take a look at some ideas that are effective for patrons and companies alike and find out a few options for taking your business to the next level of eco friendliness.

The public inside the United States has made it obvious that they would like to preserve the environment in sensible ways. Gone are the days when this would have appeared like a trifle because today the research exists to show us that Earth’s environment is definitely negatively effected by many of the worldwide economic activities we participate in. Located in the state of Maryland, The Washington Post (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/maryland/maryland-highway-officials-hav.html) reports how the area authorities have decided to go green with public restrooms, incorporating better design such as floors heated by geothermal means plus much more ecologically aware way of lighting, as well.

In combination with what government is bringing about, consumers are making ecologically friendly decisions on their own – even over the holidays. A current commentary by Benjamin Rothfeder of the Half Moon Bay Patch (http://halfmoonbay.patch.com/articles/tips-for-an-eco-friendly-christmas-tree) demonstrates how many people are celebrating Christmas with live, renewable Christmas trees instead of plastic trees. This just goes to show that when given an opportunity, consumers want to do the proper thing and avoid damaging environmental pollutants such as petroleum based plastics that can take so many years to break down inside the average landfill.

Even large business operations such as financial institutions are getting into the eco friendly act. In Rockville, Maryland, the PR Newswire (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mt-bank-opens-new-eco-friendly-branch-in-rockville-111800764.html) reports that regional M&T Bank is doing what it is able to to design ecologically sound banks that consumers will certainly prefer. By trying to adhere to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design principles established from the United States government, this bank is only one of numerous modern buildings that are being constructed with reduced energy usage in mind.

For your own company, getting with the green times is easier than you would possibly believe. With wholesale reusable bags being so easy for many businesses to offer, it is possible to showcase your cooperation for environmentally sound routines in a simple, cost effective manner. The green custom bags that bear a business logo could be a great conversation topic for patrons, explaining how your business cares about the ecosystem and is doing what it can in promoting sound practices. These along with other eco promotional items are an extremely smart idea for the company that wants to take advantage of consumer appreciation for the environment.

As you can see, companies all over are taking steps to create a better world and consumers have a strong interest in what they are doing. At all levels, people are becoming more aware and better attuned to sensible solutions for environmentally sound economics.

Florida Faces Strange Sinking Landfill Dilemma That Could Poison The Water

In case you had not already heard, the state of Florida has a rather strange occurrence taking place. A local landfill is sinking into the Earth and, as a result, toxins are expected to leak into the local water supply. This is just one example of how our overflowing landfills are racking up the points against us as we continue to consume and discard, rather than embrace more fully the concept of recycling and reusing. We’ll take a look at the situation in Florida and discuss just how it illustrates the potential for landfills worldwide to end up being real nightmares of an ecological sort.

According to a recent report from WUSF http://www.wusf.usf.edu/news/2010/12/16/sinkhole_under_landfill_is_growing), the radio station for the University of South Florida, it appears that a sinkhole is opening in beneath a landfill that serves Hillsborough County about 20 miles away from Tampa, Florida. While the authorities continue to try and figure out what to do about this problem, it looks like a terrifying one, to say the least. Official measurements say the sinkhole is as deep as a 4 story building is tall. Literal tons of garbage from Tampa Bay area households has already fallen into the hole.

What is a major cause for concern is the fact that leachate could very well begin to leak down into the local water supplies. Leachate is a substance that is a fluid containing unwanted chemical elements, according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leachate). This type of toxic fluid seeping into the area’s wells is definitely bad news for the drinking water in this part of the Tampa area, but it is also a potential signal of a larger scale problem.

Tampa, Florida is certainly not the only soft soil area in the world where all the tons of human compiled garbage could fall through the earth and directly into the water supply. While solid waste is usually thought of as easier to manage than some other types of human produced pollution, once it begins to break down into leachate, the situation changes. Items like detergent containers and typical plastic shopping bags contain petroleum based chemicals we do not want in our drinking water.

While it is definitely difficult to singlehandedly take on the impact of an entire landfill, these waste disposal areas are all comprised of garbage from many people. That means each of us plays a role in how quickly they are filled. Such choices as using recycled shopping bags instead of typical plastic bags may seem small, but when you consider the way things add up, it has a huge impact. When we choose to recycle by using green shopping bags instead of opting for traditional bags, we are putting a foot forward for a cleaner world.

So while a sinkhole may not open in the Earth beneath a landfill near you any time soon, rest assured that if we take no action similar events are likely to continue happening worldwide. This is why it is not just Florida facing this problem – we all play a role in making daily decisions that impact the planet.

Brilliant Ways To Make Your Company Vibrantly Green And Earth Enhancing

You don’t have to be an expert to realize that the carbon footprint made by companies, organizations, even cities and entire nations is big news these days. More and more people are beginning to wake up to the reality of what the impact of humanity on Earth really means and as they do, they are looking to businesses to be responsible in how they handle resources since it is companies that are viewed as holders of so much of what Earth has to offer us in terms of natural resources. We’ll take a look at some ideas now that companies can use to better their image by taking real action to make their company more environmentally friendly.

One of the easiest things any company can do to help reduce waste that is such a big problem today is to recycle. While we all know this, some companies continue to throw away a great deal of paper and cardboard that could quite easily be reused through a local recycling program. In addition, many continue to use paper documents where electronic versions would work just as well, especially given the ability to create redundant failsafe copies in today’s digital environment. Saving documents to the cloud can reduce waste right away and prevent their destruction by fire or other disasters, too.

In addition to waste reduction, conserving energy is another popular way that companies can begin to cut down on their carbon footprint. A recent report on the Bloomberg news wire (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-16/u-s-selects-solar-power-zones-to-streamline-project-approval-process.html) shows that even the United States government is getting heavily involved in the production of energy via solar panels. This is something any company could do, and paired with solutions like more efficient use of water and other resources, a big impact can be made by even a small company over time.

Of course, sometimes paper is a necessary thing because items like thank you cards and business cards really can not be as authentic if only in digital form. That’s why seed paper is such a strong idea. This is a type of paper that Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_paper) notes is capable of degrading into the soil in such a way that flowers can grow from it once it is discarded. Such seed cards can be used for stationary, business cards and a variety of other uses.

In addition, not all companies want to use styrofoam for their drinking cups at work. Some get custom mugs which can be reused, but others are choosing stainless steel water bottles to get the job done. Employees appreciate durable drinking containers and feel good about not creating so much waste.

The ideas you can use to improve your company’s carbon profile do not stop here. Creativity is proving to be the key to transforming our waste production, pollution and energy inefficiency. This is a brand new era of innovation and all of us can do a little something of our own to take part. Companies, too, can step up and lead the way to a cleaner, more efficient world.

A Thousand Years To Biodegrade A Plastic Bottle But Ten Seconds To Refill It

The advantages of recycling are many in a world where scientists estimate that it can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade a plastic bottle and 4,000 years for a glass bottle to be broken down naturally. The motto of those people who support the Green movement is: reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, repair and regift, but generally, reusable water bottles go a long way in saving the environment, with minimal expenditure with regards to time, money, energy and space.

Whilst incinerating waste products causes air pollution, landfilling is renowned for tainting water tables, rivers and seas, using up energy and in addition land space that could be better used for conservatories or housing to name but two alternatives. Then as new items are manufactured, storage issues arise. Furthermore, there is the dreaded greenhouse effect to be considered.

Recycling means less clutter, lower consumption of various useful raw materials and of energy, and a decrease in air impurities and water contamination. Carbon footprints are eliminated too.

Modern day recycling plants reconstitute paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and aluminium products to produce a new supply of exactly the same materials or for the reuse thereof in the manufacturing of other materials. And so enter stainless steel and aluminium liquid wares.

Stainless steel and aluminium products have the edge on plastics in that they very rarely crack or break if they have been made to the highest quality control standards. As such, the risks to people who use them, from viruses, bacteria and fungi are greatly lessened, and, moreover, the interaction of the chemicals found in the raw materials with the refreshments stored in the containers is minimized such that carcinogens are unlikely to be a threat to the well-being of consumers.

If well-sealed when made, the goods should not give cause for concern with regard to leaking and some may even maintain the temperature of the solution they are holding. Commodities on the market come in various sizes and shapes, factors which also play a role in determining how practical they are.

From an aesthetic point of view, the bottles have such a tough constitution that they don’t dent easily. Cold and gray are not necessarily the look of such goods either. Product designers more often than not deliver a package that is colorful and unique. Some companies cleverly advertise their brands and/or logos on the canisters they sell. Creatively, some individual buyers decide to custom-order the items they purchase to show their names, favorite hobbies and interests, thoughts and emotions, and liking of trendy brands on the outside of their reusable water bottles and stainless steel water bottles as a personal demonstration to the rest of the world. Consumers and businesses do the same with other eco friendly products such as eco friendly reusable bags.

If consumers are concerned about the fragile and delicate ecological balance of the Earth and wish to do their part in sustaining its long-term survival, reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, repair and regift, seems a fair, reasonable and sensible strategy to follow. Along with that, come the health benefits thereof that contribute to making a longer also better quality of life possibly available for each person on the planet. And it doesn’t hurt to make one’s life easier and simpler and more attractive at the same time by sporting the latest accessories.

Factory Direct Promos Releases New Biodegradable Bags & Launches “yourBag” Online Customization Tools

The fall equinox has arrived again, and the days are getting shorter, but for the team at Factory Direct Promos, the most critical time of the year is just beginning. The year of 2010 has been a timely reminder for all those who care deeply about the environment.  From the tragic Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill to further increases in average daily temperature resulting from Global Warming, increased pollution, and a human population that is growing exponentially, there has never been a more important time for individuals and organizations to take action by contributing to the solution, rather than the problem.

Jason Tunick, owner of Factory Direct Promos, which is a leading supplier of green promotional products for businesses, sees this devastating trend and wants to see monumental paradigm shifts in the way we treat our planet. Since 1996, FDP has been committed to finding and using renewable resources in their design, development and manufacturing of premium eco friendly promotional products to help countless companies improve their brand and image, while also helping create a clean and healthy planet for current and future generations.  Jason explains that the last quarter of the year is the best opportunity for individuals and organizations to reduce their overall negative impact on the environment.

biodegradable bags

Biodegradable Bags & Promotional Products

“We can’t underestimate how much we can accomplish as individuals and collectively in the final quarter of 2010.   The facts remain that our planet is in an environmental crisis, and it is with our collective individual actions that we can make our planet a better place one decision at a time.  For example, we can choose to use reusable green bags when shopping instead of a plastic bag that will just end up in a landfill. I got into the business to business realm because I saw an opportunity to help companies promote their brand while also raising awareness for these critical environmental issues our society is facing today.  With the approaching holiday season, the sky is the limit for the amount of people businesses can reach before this year is over.”

FactoryDirectPromos.com features over one hundred eco promotional items such as stainless steel water bottles, non-woven polypropylene reusable shopping bags, RPET recycled grocery bags, bamboo pens, seed paper notebooks, recycled plastic USB drives, seed paper products, 100% biodegradable corn products and more. He has just extended a full line of biodegradable bags comprised of jute, cotton, bamboo and other organic materials.  As opposed to traditional waste, when biodegradable materials are exposed to sunlight, oxygen and heat, they are converted into water, carbon dioxide, mineral salt, and biomass. This means that no harmful residue will remain in the soil once discarded in a landfill or anywhere else.  Eco bags are very fashionable and last a lifetime. By branding eco products, businesses can empower their customers, employees, vendors, partners and colleagues to go green.

These durable promotional products can be custom imprinted with your company logo, message and with many products, even your colors. Check out the brand new “yourBag” customization page on FactoryDirectPromos.com to embroider your personality and company mantra on each bag or bottle. This section allows you to choose your bag material, size, colors and patterns, as well as the choice of adding features like handle type, handle length, velcro, snaps, zippers, pockets, and attachments such as carabiners, lanyards and keychains.   This gives business owners all the power in creating a bag that is best for your company and target audience.  Jason is able to provide a quick turnaround time these imprinted custom bags of 60 days, while in-stock reusable promotional bags are shipped within a week.  There’s also a “yourBottle” section (similar to yourBag) which allows you to design custom stainless steel reusable water bottles for your organization.  Visit http://www.factorydirectpromos.com/custom-water-bottles.html to place a custom bottle order.

Factory Direct Promos understands our planet’s environmental health issues are growing, not shrinking.  Not only is 2010 shaping up to be the hottest on record according to the NY Times, our “throw away society” is compounding the problems by trashing huge percentages of what we buy and not recycling nearly enough.  Eco friendly promotional products can be a convenient and positive daily reminder for all of us to reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever the opportunity presents itself.  Factory Direct Promos is a pioneer of this paradigm shift and you can follow Jason’s efforts on his blog at www.reusablebagblog.com. Throughout the year of 2010, the FDP team has blogged about environmental issues ranging from deforestation to the Gulf Oil Spill, disposable bag waste problems, plastic bag bans, and even political issues such as climate legislation.  Visit the blog and join the discussion today.  Your actions and voice can make all the difference in the world.

Take Responsibility For The Full Life Cycle Of Your Products

Recycling is a great reclamation for our planet and for the environment.  But can recycling alone solve our waste problems in America?  The answer is a simple “no”.  There are many reasons why recycling alone will not be able to resolve all our waste problems.  If producers and manufacturers are not working cooperatively with consumers and partnering with waste management facilities to ensure there is a reasonable and accessible method for consumers to recycle the products sold to them, then it significantly reduces the chances that the products will be properly recycled at all.   We have to tackle waste problems at their source and so it is the corporations that produce the products that must play the biggest role in reducing the waste problems in our country and our world.
The Texas Campaign For The Environment (TCE), a non-profit, has recently brought this issue to center stage.   TCE basically says that manufacturers have to take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products.   They emphasize our current system of  “produce it, consume it, toss it out” must be redesigned to reduce and eliminate waste at its source.   If you think about it, it makes so much sense.  It is almost as if manufacturers get a “free pass” in our current system, leaving the responsibility for recycling largely in the hands of consumers.  Now of course, you would think consumers will always be ultimately responsible for recycling, since producers cannot force someone to recycle their products.  However, TCE points out that there are many “Zero Waste’ proponents who are pushing environmental laws for landfills which will create “producer take-back” programs.  This would force manufacturers to work with waste management companies and government agencies to recover and recycle their products. When it comes to long-term progress in reducing the harmful effects of landfills on the environment, this approach may make the most sense.
In the absence of  “producer take-back” laws, TCE is doing everything they can to be a great tool for consumers.  TexasTakeBack.org (funded by TCE), is a great guide to recycle just about anything from glass, styrofoam, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals and so much more.   Considering TCE (a non-profit organization), is making such a valiant effort to resolve our country’s waste management issues, it is time for the “for-profit” corporations to step up.
What is your company or organization doing to ensure your products are recycled after consumption?   In this time of great change in our world, and from a public relations stand point, it is imperative that your company clearly stands out as a green ambassador.  You can’t wait until you’re in the midst of an environmental controversy to begin your path as a green company (see BP).  It just doesn’t’ work that way.  You can’t run away from this issue. Your company must start now to do everything in its power to ensure you’re going green in all phases.
This is especially true with your products, which often have your company’s brand name on them, and which will be easily identified when wasted.   To begin with, ask yourself if your consumers will easily be able to recycle your product.  Ask for feedback from your customers, blog about it and show the world you are actively working towards a solution to making sure all your products are recycled.
Another great method to show the world your commitment to go green is through giving out eco promotional products like eco friendly pens, lanyards, custom promotional bags and recycled bags with your brand name on them.  These kinds of products are truly eco friendly and will not harm the environment if wasted.   Create a reoccurring community service event with your employees and plant some trees or pick up trash around town for a few hours on a monthly basis.
These are just a few small examples of the kinds of efforts companies and organizations can make in order to help ensure the continuity and success of the green movement.  When it comes to going green, consumer consciousness is at an all time high in our country and in the world, especially after the recent Gulf Oil Disaster.  Stay ahead of the tide, and take some advice from TCE by making sure you and your company are going green now.

Recycling is a great reclamation for our planet and for the environment.  But can recycling alone solve our waste problems in America?  The answer is a simple “no”.  There are many reasons why recycling alone will not be able to resolve all our waste problems.  If producers and manufacturers are not working cooperatively with consumers and partnering with waste management facilities to ensure there is a reasonable and accessible method for consumers to recycle the products sold to them, then it significantly reduces the chances that the products will be properly recycled at all.   We have to tackle waste problems at their source and so it is the corporations that produce the products that must play the biggest role in reducing the waste problems in our country and our world.

The Texas Campaign For The Environment (TCE), a non-profit, has recently brought this issue to center stage.   TCE basically says that manufacturers have to take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products.   They emphasize our current system of  “produce it, consume it, toss it out” must be redesigned to reduce and eliminate waste at its source.   If you think about it, it makes so much sense.  It is almost as if manufacturers get a “free pass” in our current system, leaving the responsibility for recycling largely in the hands of consumers.  Now of course, you would think consumers will always be ultimately responsible for recycling, since producers cannot force someone to recycle their products.  However, TCE points out that there are many “Zero Waste’ proponents who are pushing environmental laws for landfills which will create “producer take-back” programs.  This would force manufacturers to work with waste management companies and government agencies to recover and recycle their products. When it comes to long-term progress in reducing the harmful effects of landfills on the environment, this approach may make the most sense.

In the absence of  “producer take-back” laws, TCE is doing everything they can to be a great tool for consumers.  TexasTakeBack.org (funded by TCE), is a great guide to recycle just about anything from glass, styrofoam, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals and so much more.   Considering TCE (a non-profit organization), is making such a valiant effort to resolve our country’s waste management issues, it is time for the “for-profit” corporations to step up.

What is your company or organization doing to ensure your products are recycled after consumption?   In this time of great change in our world, and from a public relations stand point, it is imperative that your company clearly stands out as a green ambassador.  You can’t wait until you’re in the midst of an environmental controversy to begin your path as a green company (see BP).  It just doesn’t’ work that way.  You can’t run away from this issue. Your company must start now to do everything in its power to ensure you’re going green in all phases.

This is especially true with your products, which often have your company’s brand name on them, and which will be easily identified when wasted.   To begin with, ask yourself if your consumers will easily be able to recycle your product.  Ask for feedback from your customers, blog about it and show the world you are actively working towards a solution to making sure all your products are recycled.

Another great method to show the world your commitment to go green is through giving out eco promotional products like eco friendly pens, eco lanyards, custom promotional bags and wholesale recycled bags with your brand name on them.  These kinds of products are truly eco friendly and will not harm the environment if wasted.   Create a reoccurring community service event with your employees and plant some trees or pick up trash around town for a few hours on a monthly basis.

These are just a few small examples of the kinds of efforts companies and organizations can make in order to help ensure the continuity and success of the green movement.  When it comes to going green, consumer consciousness is at an all time high in our country and in the world, especially after the recent Gulf Oil Disaster.  Stay ahead of the tide, and take some advice from TCE by making sure you and your company are going green now.