resisting the squeeze

Lays off, cut backs, bail outs. The list goes on, but business is still hanging on to green ... but for how long?

Trend-watcher eMarketer reports that polls from the American Marketing Association and Fleishman-Hillard show that companies are still investing in green projects and products—and they want their customers to know it. Yet, when asked if consumers would pay more for green products now, only 40% agreed.

As for them, over half surveyed said that sustainability is an essential element of their company’s reputation. What's worse, the survey showed that even popular sustainability programs, such as recycling and electric energy efficiency, were embraced by only a minority of businesses, 36% and 20%, respectively.

eMarketer's round up? Green marketing is good, but no one can be certain whether—under continuing pressure from the economy—it will wilt.

bye bye polystyrene recycling, hello EPIC

Yesterday, the Environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC) reported that the City of Toronto has backed off its promise to collect polystyrene in blue bins, which could "effectively destroy the program for all of Ontario."

Polystyrene - which makes up the bulk of our food and protective packaging - can be remanufactured into products like picture frames as well as fire-proofing materials, and EPIC says 20,000 tonnes of the material will now end up in landfills.

EPIC's news release does not cover the reasons why Toronto is re-thinking the program...but then the agency is simply an arm of the plastics industry.

They even have a "Polystyrene Myths and Facts" PDF available on their site, with tidbits like:

Myth: Polystyrene does not biodegrade.

Fact: Polystyrene has been designed specifically to be an inert material that does not break down in a landfill and release harmful substances, such as greenhouse gases.

Sorry, then how it that a myth?

So, while it would be fabulous to be able to recycle our current heap of packaging, shouldn't EPIC be looking at ways to reduce and/or eliminate it? But that would put an end to their council...

future al gores

Tired of being shamed into buying boxes of almonds or gift wrap to support your child's school? Why not tell them about the Water Island Fundraising Team - a Canadian company that distributes water conservation kits exclusively through school fundraising programs.

EcoKids is a free, environmental education program that offers curriculum-linked materials and activities for Canadian elementary schools to engage in environmental action. Their award-winning site offers topical information through fun and interactive, games and activities. Children are encouraged to form their own opinions, make decisions, get involved and understand the impact their own actions have on the environment.

Earth Rangers inspires kids to reach their full potential and become active, responsible citizens through school presentations that capture their imagination. Children are given the opportunity to come face to face with their Animal Ambassadors and to learn about the environmental impact that human actions are having on all wildlife, and their resource kits provide teachers with the support needed to take on environmental projects with their students.

While your kids are learning, watch Leonardo DiCaprio's Water Planet.