2Sustain

I’m finding it increasingly difficult to sort fact from fiction when it comes to sustainable seafood.

For years now, researchers have been warning about the collapse of our marine ecosystems, and we’ve all seen the reports about the fisheries practices and failed management systems that have significantly depleted global fish populations. By some estimates, we’ve already pushed as much as 75% of the world’s fisheries beyond the limits of sustainability.

So, now a variety of ecolabels and sustainability certification programs have cropped up to help both consumers and seafood companies make purchasing decisions based on ‘green’ criteria. But, what exactly makes a credible and practical seafood ecolabel? Since there is no universally accepted label or certification program, how can buyers be confident in their choices? (more…)

Earlier this week, Marriott International and the World Environment Center (WEC) announced a new partnership designed to strengthen the environmental commitment of Marriott’s Costa Rican suppliers.

This new initiative, part of a program called “Cleaner Production Private Sector Partnerships,” is supported by the United States Department of State and will help Marriott develop supplier best practices that can, in turn, help strengthen the communities worldwide where the company operates.

Through the WEC partnership, a group of Marriott’s small and medium-sized local suppliers in Costa Rica will be trained by WEC to improve their manufacturing operations and maximize efficiencies in their facilities. As a result, Marriott hopes to save energy, water, and raw materials –and cut costs, too. (more…)

“Green” is becoming increasingly mainstream among marketers, but is that merely a passing fad in response to customer demands?

The answer may surprise you.  A new market study from Environmental Leader and MediaBuyerPlanner suggests that companies are engaging in green marketing because it’s valuable and often more effective than traditional marketing strategies.

The study, “Green Marketing: What Works; What Doesn’t,” includes several intriguing key findings, including: (more…)

Even during the economic crisis, most businesses have continued with their community involvement efforts as part of their long-term commitments to CSR initiatives, according to new research from the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship.

The Boston College Center surveyed more than 300 North American companies in a variety of industries, and then compiled the results in the newly released report, “Staying the Course — The 2009 Community Involvement Index.”

Here are a few key findings: (more…)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 includes several provisions to spur development of wind and other renewable energy industries, but unfortunately, wind turbine manufacturing in the U.S. still lags. In fact, both announcements and production activity have now fallen behind 2008 levels.

Put another way: last year was a mixed bag for the U.S. wind industry.

For a summary of 2009 wind industry highlights, check out the lengthy list recently released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). On the positive side of the ledger, AWEA stresses that last year the U.S. wind industry continued to: (more…)