Great Tool For Sustainable Sourcing!

Came across this recent post on Triple Pundit. Tools such at the one developed by Sourcemap.org can be tremendously useful in opening dialogue on unsustainable processes as well as moving dialogue forward when sustainability is in need of some pushes forward. Many certifications of sustainability are not all they claim to be and yet, they are the best we have available. We believe that a full process exchange of needs and desires can benefit everyone! They should be strengthened until they improve or until they prove themselves inadequate. Consumers must make the push to move this forward.

Moving Forward!

Our efforts to document sustainable businesses and endeavors is in motion now! We are currently in edit mode and should have some excellent interview segments to share with you. Over the past few weeks we have conducted interviews with three businesses: Licious Organics in Boulder, Colorado and Karma Balm and Interiors Green in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. We are very excited to get this project underway!!

Additionally, there has been extensive video documentation of a build site here in Boulder featuring Artesano Plasterers Ryan Chivers & Phil Metzler. This project also features a living roof installed by Andy Creath of Green Roofs of Colorado. We look forward to conducting interviews with these folks as well down the road.

Visionary Values believes that by sharing inspiring stories of individuals and companies working more in harmony with our environment and supporting sustainability, we can encourage others to do the same. After all, we share this beautiful world and all of our challenges must also be shared!

This is why we have such a @#$%ed-up energy policy in the USA!!

When folks spew garbage like this it is no wonder we have such a steep climb towards changing our nation's dependence on non-renewable energy sources! Listen, if one looks only at the bottom line and sees nothing else connected to it, a perspective such as this one looks brilliant!

To state that solar only works when it is sunny is just mis-information and simply untrue! The energy production is certainly reduced, but to use this as an argument against solar power is rubbish! Just think of how many people and animals die every year directly and indirectly due to our insatiable thirst for oil and coal! When was the last time someone perished using solar energy?

So, calling an industry "unprofitable" when so little has historically been spent on alternative energy and big oil has spent lots to derail legislation in its favor, is a bit over the top, wouldn't you say?!? Throw in all the tax funded incentives and subsidies they have gotten and the gap is even larger! In fact, as of the middle of last year, investment in green power sources in the US had actually dropped 8% due to our shaky economy.

When hugely successful companies like Exxon spend only around 1% of its profits on alternative energy sources and BP 2.9% (the most of the big five oil companies), where is the money going to come from?? Where is the commitment to sustainability?? NOWHERE!!!

Well, that's not entirely true...WE NEED TO BE THE AGENTS OF CHANGE!!! We will do it through our demands that these tactics change. Certainly in light of the outrage over the recent coal mine deaths and the very recent (and very devastating!!) BP oil spill, we have a GREAT OPPORTUNITY, but perhaps we are not noisy enough!!

Visionary companies need visionary consumers. Folks who demand only the most ethical behavior and smartest decisions. Maybe our standards are too low? Any comments???

Snyder's Follows Frito-Lay's Lead, Offers Sustainable Packaging

Just a few weeks after Frito-Lay  rolled out the 100% compostable SunChips bag, Snyder's of Hanover has announced sustainability packaging of its own. Like Frito-Lay, the pretzel maker has decided to use plant-based materials in some of its packaging. The polylactic acid resin (PLA)-based bags, produced by Clear Lam Packaging, replace petroleum-based plastic bags in Snyder's line of organic pretzels.

There are a number of advantages to the PLA bags, according to Greener Package. The 90% plant-based bags require half the energy for production and spew 52% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than comparable petroleum packaging.  No word on if the PLA bags are saving Snyder's any cash, however.

Kudos to Snyder's  for following in Frito-Lay's footsteps, but consumers should ask: Why are the PLA bags limited to the company's organic line of pretzels? Snyders reps were away for the holidays and not immediately available to answer. Here's hoping Snyder's ultimately expands the initiative to all of its products.

Whadda Ya Do?!? Damaged Goods?

What happens when transparency slaps you in the face? In the case of the recent admission by the CEO of SIGG, makers of the ubiquitous (at least in green circles!) reusable water bottles, you now have your opportunity to find out. For some reason, the company decided (conscious decision) to not inform customers that earlier designs of their bottles contained "trace amounts of bisphenol A."

Now, we could take the decision to boycott the company (disassociate like Patagonia) and make them pay for their error in judgement. We could also take the time to read through the CEO's explanation and his apology and, if we really feel our power as consumers (feel it rising?!?!?), we could let him know he should never attempt this kind of stunt again. We could then inform him that we definitely approve of his growth as the head of a "green company" and that we will be watching and will encourage him to take a lead in encouraging all businesses to apply common sense safety and health standards to their products. After all, since it is our health and safety we need to protect, WE must take the initiative to hold companies accountable. Sometimes punishment is needed and other times encouragement is the best option.

Here is a link to the SIGG website regarding an exchange program.

Let them know what you think:

SIGG USA
1177 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 321-1220

Tracking Sustainability

Here is an interesting review of the usefulness of applying Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to identify what a company would need to do to capture the purchases of customers dedicated to supporting companies that engage in sustainable practices and produce products that are environmentally friendly.

It is suggested that this simple approach of getting to the core of consumer values can benefit both the bottom line and the sustainability of a company. By focusing on what consumers actually want and not what the companies think they want, everyone wins.

Take a look and let us know how you can integrate this perspective into your operations as a business owner or, how you think this information can be transmitted effectively to companies.

At the end of the day, an approach like this can truly put consumers in the driver's seat! Take advantage and push for sustainable business practices!

Putting the green back in greenbacks

It seems as though there are studies and surveys galore these days that are reassuring customers that green is just as popular, if not more so, despite the sinking economy. The most recent one I have come across is from Green Seal and EnviroMedia Social Marketing and is called the 2009 National Green Buying Study.

The study shows that around half of all consumers are still buying as many eco-friendly products as they did before the recession began, and an additional 19 percent are buying more products than before. Just 14 percent have cut back spending on green products. LOHAS consumers are still the most loyal and steady enviro-customers and they drive the market and its growth.

The more mainstream customers are the ones who are still not nearly as green minded in their shopping. These customers are going to need to understand the added value of products that are priced higher than those they normally purchase. If they can see a savings over time, that helps.  "On the one hand, consumers will be more resistant than ever to buy premium-priced products, especially if they are dubious to begin with about a product's green value proposition — that is, whether it really will help address the planet's environmental challenges," says Joel Makower, executive editor of GreenBiz.com and author of Strategies for the Green Economy.

Even though there is much reason to remain ultra aware of greenwashing and that many of these studies may not paint the most complete picture of our actual economic commitment to environmental issues and sustainability, there is enough evidence to show that awareness has increased. 

Our goal at Visionary Values is to deepen this awareness in consumer behavior and trace the commitment all the way to the core of the business practices of companies marketing eco-friendly products. It is clear that we all must make changes in our world views and our consumption is a key piece of this highly integrated process. It is all about accountability after all. Without customer participation in this process, companies will never know just how important it is to be transparent and committed to sustainability. In the end, with enough customer participation and oversight, they won't be able to make money if they don't approach baseline standards, because we won't buy their products!!

Eco Fast Food?!

Organic burger chain, Elevation Burger, announced plans to open eight restaurants in the Philadelphia area and has plans to open up to 40 in seven states and Washington, D.C.

Well of course a movement like this was bound to occur as this country will never give up its quick meal demands! Taking a time tested concept and retrofitting it to eco-friendly standards is certainly a big step in the right direction. Even though the burger and fries concept isn't exactly the heart healthy meal, at least the beef is organic (it doesn't mention the fries though)!

The buildings are to adhere to LEED standards and include bamboo flooring, recycled tires and energy efficient appliances. We applaud these efforts to take a well-known business concept and make it more sustainable. 

Lesson to all: It does not matter what kind of business you have, there are "greening" opportunities everywhere!! There are also many ways businesses can focus on other triple bottom line issues by considering living wages, charitable donation policies, eco-friendly purchasing guidelines, commitment to local communities, and many other avenues for sustainability! 

Being green and sustainable isn't for eco-elitists or ultra liberals hell bent on subverting our economy. No, it is about regaining respect for our environment and for one another and ensuring that we have a future to look forward to. These are actions to integrate into our lives now and not when we are circling the drain!

P.S. If you happen to stop by one of these restaurants, check to see if the rest of the ingredients like the salads and the fries are also organic. It would be a shame if they missed the opportunity to make a full commitment to those standards!

What's the Carbon Footprint of Your Toilet Paper?

Seems as though U.K.-based retailer Tesco is planning to place a carbon footprint label on its toilet paper and paper towels and eventually all private label products. The proposed Carbon Reduction Label will account for all emissions generated by each stage of the product’s lifecycle; the caveat is that Tesco must reduce emissions or lose the right to use the label.

This effort is part of a collaboration between Tesco and The Carbon Trust, a U.K. government-funded entity that will tap into interest in this type of information that more than 60% of customers surveyed have supported. No details are provided on how they will monitor adherence to the guidelines.

What are you thoughts on this? Would you like more information on the carbon footprint of the companies you support and the products you purchase? Let us know!!

Tragedy to Triumph!

Almost one year ago (May 6th) we reported on this blog that a mid-west town was turning tragedy into opportunity. The town of Greensburg, Kansas decided that a devastating tornado was a golden opportunity to create fundamental eco-friendly initiatives as they began rebuilding their town. Keeping true to their new slogan, Better, Stronger, Greener is not always easy. In support of this new venture, the town plans to establish itself as a center for eco-friendly technologies and manufacturing.

Not only is it the town that is making these changes, but businesses, families and individuals are contributing to the efforts needed to move forward in support of the environmental sustainability initiatives.

We should all applaud efforts such as these because it requires a great deal of commitment and trust in these green concepts to move forward in such a grand fashion. How many of you would find implementing and integrating green initiatives in your company or in your family an easy thing to move forward with? Hopefully we will hear more stories of success coming from Greensburg so that we can all have examples of what is possible for everyone!

Tornado-ravaged town seeks rebirth as 'laboratory for eco-friendly living'

Here is an additional link to a CNN story:

Against the wind

Growing Green Businesses

Here is a good overview on how and why a variety of businesses are turning to greening their operations. I appreciate hearing about the truly wide ranging reasoning these folks are using in adjusting their perspectives and actions. These ideas are not about liberal or conservative perspectives, they are about health and well-being. Thank goodness we are getting beyond the spotted owl narrowness in which many people contextualized the serious environmental issues the world faces. If we all remember that the environment includes us and that we depend upon its efficient and healthy functioning, the choices are clearly roadmapped!

Technology Advances Make Going Green an Easier Decision

It seems that small and medium sized businesses aren't going to let a little recession (depression) hold them back from taking advantage of technology to both save money and resources. Results of a survey released by the online payroll service PayCycle, show concern for the environment is still high.

Take a look at this review of the tech trends and the survey on the bMighty.com site.

What types of enviro-changes would you embrace for your company?

What Color is Your Money?

It seems that these dire economic times are stirring up some fears of the future in some of our banking institutions. A green bank movement is beginning to emerge that will have its foundation resting solidly on the concept of a "triple bottom line" approach to finance: enterprise, environment and social equity. Wow, imagine how great things could be if capitalism began to calculate costs using a long-term approach! Here are some excerpts from a NY Times article discussing a recent approach to green banking:

'Green' banks sprout from ruins of economic crisis

The group (e3bank) announced today that the Pennsylvania Department of Banking has awarded e3bank conditional approval for a state charter for its flagship bank in the Philadelphia area. Once given full approval by the state and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the new bank will open as a "green" triple bottom line bank, organizers said. It is already seeking investors and is raising money online.

E3bank joins a small but growing number of green banking centers sprouting as credit markets normalize. Just as the government is stepping in with the fiscal stimulus package with provisions designed to encourage consumers and businesses to go green, the banking industry is launching green incentives of its own.

The model that e3bank is pursuing envisions having loan officers accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC, as experts in its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings program. Loan officers would be empowered to customize loans and lines of credit to commercial and residential borrowers planning green building projects and retrofits.

Instead of following the industry standard -- basing loans on a borrower's ability to pay and the up-front costs of the building -- e3bank officers will be authorized to modify debt-to-income and loan-to-value proposals. Financial products would be tailored to account for the up-front costs of more expensive green projects but also factor in cost savings from lower energy consumption that would be netted over the course of the loan.

Baldassarre said the bank would also be more flexible in extending loans for solar installations, geothermal heating and other technologies on existing buildings, knowing that the cost savings the extra energy would bring in affects the borrowers' ability to repay the loan. Loan officers at e3bank could also advise customers on the latest green building innovations and the various options that people with projects in mind could consider.

A long time participant in socially and environmentally responsible banking, South Shore Bank, also has its own envelope pushing intitiatives:

ShoreBank's green bank spin-off, ShoreBank Pacific, was established with the goal of "creating a conservation economy in the rainforest of the Pacific Northwest." It lends to local companies in Washington and Oregon in ways designed to encourage them to use less energy and lumber and reduce waste production and pollution.

ShoreBank's depositors are invited to support their green initiatives directly by putting their money into "EcoDeposits." The company also offers "environmental advisory services" to customers in the coastal Pacific Northwest, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and urban centers where it conducts business.

Let's hope (and participate in) these types of ventures meet with enough success to force the financial dinosaurs into becoming active and willing participants in building and caring for today and tomorrow.

Check out the entire article at: http://www.nytimes.com/gwire

Here are some additional links to information about green banking initiatives:

www.treehugger.com

Christian Science Monitor

Triple Bottom Line

Conscious Consumers Craving Accountability

This review of a recently released study on consumer confidence in the greenness of products in companies is great food for thought. Who and how do we get information on these key issues of sustainability and environmental awareness?

The Corporate Responsibility Newswire - www.csrwire.com

BBMG Study Finds 'Green Trust Gap'

Interest in Green Holds Despite Recession, But Consumers Lack Confidence in Green Claims

(CSRwire) NEW YORK - March 24, 2009 - Nearly one in four U.S. consumers (23%) say they have "no way of knowing" if a product is green or actually does what it claims, signaling a lack of confidence in green marketing and revealing a widespread "green trust gap," according to the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report: Redefining Value in a New Economy, the second national study on purchasing behavior and social values by branding and marketing agency BBMG.

Consumers' lack of trust does not mean lack of interest. The BBMG report finds that 77 percent of Americans agree that they "can make a positive difference by purchasing products from socially or environmentally responsible companies," and they are actively seeking information to verify green claims. Consumers are most likely to turn to consumer reports (29%), certification seals or labels on products (28%) and the list of ingredients on products (27%) to determine if a product is green and does what it claims. Consumers are least likely to look to statements on product packaging (11%) and company advertising (5%), signaling deep skepticism of company-driven marketing. 

"The economic crisis has created a moment of reflection where consumers are redefining what truly matters and evaluating purchases based on both value and values," said Raphael Bemporad, co-founder of BBMG, an agency working at the intersection of branding, sustainability and innovation. "This is a moment for leadership. By delivering on the multiple dimensions of value - price, performance and purpose - brands will be able to close the green trust gap, weather the economic storm and thrive in the sustainable economy of the future."

Findings from the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report (2009):

• Interest in Green Holds Despite Tough Economy. Nearly seven in ten Americans agree (67%) that "even in tough economic times, it is important to purchase products with social and environmental benefits," and half (51%) say they are "willing to pay more" for them.


• Price and Performance Still Paramount, But Green Gains Ground. Price (66% very important) and quality (64%) top consumers' list of most important product attributes, followed by good for your health (55%) and made in the USA (49%). But green benefits have increased in importance since last year - including energy efficiency (47% very important in 2008, 41% in 2007), locally grown or made nearby (32% in 2008, 26% in 2007), all natural (31% in 2008, 24% in 2007), made from recycled materials (29% in 2008, 22% in 2007) and USDA organic (22% in 2008, 17% in 2007).


• Wal-Mart Tops List of Most and Least Socially Responsible Companies. When asked unaided which companies come to mind as the most socially or environmentally responsible companies, 7 percent of Americans named Wal-Mart, followed by Johnson & Johnson (6%), Procter & Gamble (4%), GE (4%) and Whole Foods (3%). Wal-Mart also topped the list of the least responsible companies (9%), along with Exxon Mobile (9%), GM (3%) and Ford (3%), Shell (2%) and McDonald's (2%). Interestingly, 41% of Americans could not name a single company that they consider the most socially and environmentally responsible.


• Consumers Reward, Punish and Influence Based on Corporate Practices.Seven in ten consumers (71%) agree that they "avoid purchasing from companies whose practices they disagree with"; and approximately half tell others to shop (55%) or drop (48%) products based on a company's social and environmental practices.

"At a time of radical transparency and a growing demand for accountability, consumers are rewarding brands that align with their values, punishing those that don't—and spreading the word with their family, friends and peers," said Mitch Baranowski, co-founder of BBMG. "Brands can close the trust gap by telling authentic stories and empowering a consumer tribe to share ideas, experiences and influence."

The BBMG Conscious Consumer Report explores the attitudes, preferences, values and experiences that shape consumer purchasing behavior, brand loyalty and peer-to-peer influence. Conducted by BBMG, in conjunction with research partners Global Strategy Group and Bagatto, the report combines ethnographic research in two U.S. markets (conducted in January and February 2009) with a national survey of 2,000 adults (conducted October 26 - November 6, 2008). The survey margin of error is +/- 2.2 percentage points.

About BBMG: With offices in New York City and San Francisco, BBMG is a nationally-recognized firm dedicated to creating innovative brands that reach, engage and inspire today's increasingly conscious consumers. Clients include ShoreBank, Clif Bar, ONE Drinks, Ceres, Green America, Social Venture Network, among others.

For more information please contact:

Andrea Retzky
BBMG
917-587-5473
www.bbmg.com

Phosphate Phree!

I ran across an interesting article on a great blog called triplepundit.com that talks about phosphate legislation and misinformation in the state of Washington. Here it is in it's entirety:

Clean Dishes...by any means necessary!

In an effort to reduce water pollution, the state of Washington initiated a ban on dishwasher detergents containing phosphates. Spokane County was the first to implement the ban last year.

Now while Washington isn't the only state to implement such a ban (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York have either banned or are in the process of banning dishwasher detergents containing phosphates), Spokane, for some suspect reason, has drawn the attention of critics who are claiming that residents are actually driving out of the state to get dishwasher detergents that do contain phosphates.

Really?!!!

What we're now hearing is that some Spokane residents are driving about 10 miles or so to buy their phosphate-friendly detergents in Idaho. And why would they spend the extra time and gas money to get those detergents? According to reports, the non-phosphate varieties don't work as well. Here's an excerpt from a recent AP story...

“Many people were shocked to find that products like Seventh Generation, Ecover, and Trader Joe's left their dishes encrusted with food, smeared with grease and too gross to use without rewashing them by hand. The culprit was hard water, which is mineral-rich and resistant to soap.”

My friends, I live in Maryland, and we have extremely hard water. I've also used both Seventh Generation and Ecover, and have NEVER had a problem. Don't get me wrong, if you let your dirty dishes sit for a few days, then just throw them in the dishwasher, you might not get the best results. But the eco-friendly varieties have never let me down. And I'm suspicious of anyone who claims otherwise.

Nonetheless, I don't plan to lose much sleep over those in Spokane who can't live without their phosphates. After all, we expect the business community to do their part to clean up their acts. So shouldn't we expect the same of ourselves?

It's easy to blame “big business” for all of our environmental problems. But all too often we find excuses to shirk our own personal responsibilities. The business community has provided us with non-phosphate dishwasher detergents. So it's on us, the consumers, to do the right thing. And switching over to eco-friendly dishwasher detergents is the right thing.

It's not rocket science, folks. When large amounts of phosphates are discharged into waterways, they can cause excessive algae growth, which robs the water of oxygen fish need to survive. So doesn't it make sense to make a very simple change that can help us limit the phosphates being discharged into our waterways?

Of course, that doesn't mean we necessarily need a full-scale ban on dishwasher detergents containing phosphates. After all, most of us support a free market system that doesn't have to rely on government intervention. And I'm all for it. So instead of a ban, how about this: If some folks want to continue using the phosphate-friendly detergents – let them. Just make sure you tack on the environmental damage cost to the price of that detergent. Do that, and you'll see just how fast those eco-friendly detergents really do work!

Link to the story here:

www.triplepundit.com

So, what do well-intentioned consumers do when legislation is passed and then unfounded "gossip" causes less well-intentioned consumers to ignore these regulations in favor of using products that have proven to be harmful to our environment? Ask our little froggy what he thinks!

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to host Environmental Symposium

A symposium on green innovations is scheduled for Earth Day to kick off University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's new Environmental Management and Business Institute.

The institute was announced in August with the goal of studying environmental issues and developing solutions to problems that recognize the critical interconnections between science, policy and business, and the social contexts within which they occur.

Interim Chancellor David Ward said the institute will help make Northeastern Wisconsin synonymous with sustainability and environmental leadership.

The university was founded 40 years ago with a focus on environmental education.

The Green Innovationsevent on April 22 will include speakers, breakout sessions and an entrepreneur's showcase. Topics will include biomass conversion, renewable energy sources, green business practices and developing human capital for sustainability.

Speakers will include:

 Author Bob Willard, who will talk about the business advantages of corporate sustainability strategies

 Larry Weyers, chairman and chief executive officer of Integrys Energy Group, who will talk about green energy

 Dennis Winters, chief of the Office of Economic Advisors at the state Department of Workforce Development, who will discuss the future work force. He will be the luncheon speaker.

John Stoll, institute co-director and UW-Green Bay faculty member, said the symposium is about informing people that the university is still innovative and environmentally focused.

"It is not just in the past. At no time in history has it been more important that it be in our future," Stoll said.

www.greenbaypressgazette.com

As Eco-Seals Proliferate, So Do Doubts

In the April 2nd issue of the Wall Street Journal the confusing state of green certification of consumer products is addressed. 

As green marketing has proliferated, so has the number of "eco-labels" competing to be the environmental equivalent of a Good Housekeeping seal of approval. According to the Web site ecolabelling.org, there are more than 300 such labels putting a green stamp on everything from cosmetics and seafood to bird-friendly coffee.

http://online.wsj.com

What are YOUR green parameters as a consumer? Let us know!

Citywide Green Business Program

The city of Long Beach, California is taking extra steps to support green businesses by unanimously agreeing to send a proposal to the City Council to put in place the initial framework for a Green Business Program.

Let's hope this proposal gets the support it needs and can help stimulate other cities to move forward with similar initiatives.

Thia announcement was found in the 7/24/2008 edition of the Press-Telegram located at www.presstelegram.com/