While the majority of businesses still have a long way to go to be environmentally sustainable, it’s clear that interest in greening the business world is on the rise. One of the many signs of this is the growing number of Sustainable MBA programs cropping up around the country (e.g., the Presidio Graduate School’s MBA in Sustainable Management, Dominican University’s Green MBA, and at least 20 others). Another indicator is the gradual greening of massive companies like Walmart, which recently developed a Sustainability Index to assess the sustainability of its supplier companies. We’re also seeing the emergence of “green” banks, such as New Resource Bank. And some cities and counties have established Green Business certification programs for local businesses.
Given the significant environmental, social, economic, and health impacts (as well as the political influence) that many companies have, it’s critically important that we support and create businesses that implement responsible and sustainable policies and practices—businesses that reflect our values and whose practices and products aren’t compromising the length or quality our lives.
Among U.S. companies, a few that have shown early and exceptional leadership in sustainability are: Patagonia (the recreation/outdoors outfitter), Interface (the commercial carpet company), Seventh Generation (household products), and Straus Family Creamery (organic dairy).
Two of the many recent books on green business are:
And a seminal book on green business is:
These are some of the major online hubs for news and information on green business:
Also, author and consultant Andrew Winston has a good green business blog.
And last but not least, the following are some of the most prominent groups and networks that help companies improve their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and their environmental performance:
January 29, 2010
The Lambi Fund of Haiti has an established track record of implementing successful programs for sustainable development and agriculture, community economic development, and economic justice in Haiti. Their local empowerment initiatives have helped to improve food security, water safety, resource conservation, and community self-sufficiency, particularly in rural areas. The Lambi Fund will be actively engaged in forward-thinking initiatives like these to help Haitian communities recover economically after this terrible earthquake. Please check out their website for details about their efforts.
In addition, a number of groups from around the world will be involved in rebuilding housing and other buildings in Haiti after the earthquake. Many of them will strive to build more sustainable, disaster-resistant structures. Click below to learn about the efforts of these important organizations:
For the more immediate relief needs of emergency/transitional shelter, a couple of great options include: World Shelters and ShelterBox. Please consider supporting the work of one or more of these organizations by donating or volunteering for their projects.
January 16, 2010
If you need a brief escape from heavy news and feel like reading something a little more fun and frivolous (but not totally frivolous), check out the green gossip and celebrity news on Ecorazzi. The weblog covers limelight news and celeb activism on environmental, social/humanitarian, and animal rights issues. It’s sort of like an online People magazine for enviros.
You can browse for articles about specific famous people, by searching through names that have been “tagged” (e.g., Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Sheryl Crow, or Ed Norton, to name just a few of the more noteworthy celebs of substance), or browse by category. Categories include: Film and TV, Music, Fashion, Cars and Houses, Building and Construction, Business, Politics, Animals, Healthy Living, Events, Contests, and Videos.
January 8, 2010
The recently certified Salmon Creek Falls Environmental Center is the first building in Sonoma County to achieve LEED Platinum certification. In fact, it’s the first Platinum rated building in the entire North Bay region of the Bay Area (Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties), to the best of my knowledge. The Center is located on the site of the Harmony Union Schools (Harmony Elementary and Salmon Creek Middle School) in Occidental, CA, a town in the redwoods to the west of Santa Rosa. The building serves as an educational facility and as a community center.
Here is my listing of all North Bay building projects that have achieved LEED certification to date. And here’s a longer listing of green building projects (of all sorts, not only LEED projects) that I’m aware of in the North Bay.
And a quick update on the stats for LEED Platinum projects worldwide: According to my latest calculations, 46 states and 12 countries (including the U.S.) now have at least one LEED Platinum certified building. China and Great Britain are the latest countries to join the ranks of those with a LEED Platinum rated project. Within the United States, California—with more than 50 Platinum certified projects so far—is home to more Platinum projects than any other state.
December 17, 2009
I try to come up with thoughtful gifts that are well-suited for each recipient. But I also strive to be a thoughtful consumer by choosing gifts that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Non-Stuff: Gift certificates or tickets for activities, special events, services, restaurants, or favors; or donations or memberships to non-profits
- Products with green attributes: e.g., solar charger for cell phones and other electronics; organic cotton blanket; organic food; soaps, lotions, or bath products made with entirely natural, safe ingredients, etc. (Beware of “greenwashing,” of course. Many manufacturers now make environmental claims about their products; when possible, look for evidence or third-party certifications that back up their claims.)
- Homemade, locally-made, or Fair Trade goods (i.e., avoiding cheapo stuff that could have been made in an overseas sweatshop using child labor)
- Useful stuff: Things that most anyone can put to use, e.g., consumables (favorite specialty foods); fun/cozy socks; a mini-LED light for a keychain; a good book about a topic of interest to the recipient
- Small stuff: Items that don’t use a lot of resources, don’t require a lot of packaging/shipping material, and won’t take up much space in someone’s home
Check out stores that sell green products in your area. And to avoid driving around a lot, also check out web retailers that offer green items, such as:
(Note: I am an affiliate ad publisher for some of those companies.)
For other green product ideas, reviews, or advice, take a look at these sites:
If you have other gift ideas or websites to suggest, please leave a Comment below.
November 27, 2009
The following are key online resources for information on federal, state, and local environmental tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives. Most of the incentives that are available are for installing energy-efficient equipment or renewable energy (e.g., solar) technologies.
FEDERAL
These are good directories of federal income tax credits, grants, other incentives for energy-efficient products—for consumers, as well as businesses, builders, and manufacturers:
Click here for a clear summary of the main tax credits currently available: essentially 30% of various energy-efficiency improvements (up to $1,500) and 30% of the cost of solar energy installations. For info on federal grants (to organizations and agencies), go to Grants.gov.
STATE AND LOCAL
Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for a compendium of options, organized by state. Also check with your municipality (city and county governments) and local utility companies. Many offer their own green rebates and incentives. And this is a great summary of energy-efficiency grants and funds provided to state and local agencies by the 2009 economic stimulus/recovery bill (ARRA).
CALIFORNIA
For those of you who are in California, there are numerous entities offering green rebates and other incentives. Take a look at these resources:
If you know of other useful directories or resources related to green financial incentives, or if you have made use of energy tax credits or other green incentives, please share your experiences or suggestions by leaving a comment below.
NEW (added 1/19/10): Also check out the directory of energy rebates and tax credits at EnergySavvy.com. Enter your zip code and the site will give you a list of applicable state, local, and federal incentives.
November 16, 2009
