2Sustain

First there was the carbon footprint. Next came the water footprint . . . and then the forest footprint.

Now, it’s time to get ready for the plastic footprint.

The New York Times is reporting that starting in early October, hundreds of companies and institutions around the world will receive a questionnaire asking them to assess and report their use of plastic.

The goal of this new survey? To build awareness about plastic use and have companies manage and utilize plastic more wisely, according to Doug Woodring, an environmental entrepreneur in Hong Kong who has a background in asset management and is the driving force behind the initiative.

The Plastic Disclosure Project (PDP), which was first introduced in September 2010 at the Clinton Global Initiative, will be re-launched to the public with a new website next month.

The initiative aims to improve transparency in reporting while educating both businesses and the general public about the possible environmental and health impacts of the materials used in production. Researchers estimate that about 90 percent of plastics made today are not recycled. As PDP points out, that represents an enormous opportunity for recycling, re-use, better design and cost savings. (more…)

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…)

In recognition of the first official World Ocean Day (which, if you missed it on your calendar, was Monday, June 8), I'm devoting this post to a new report, “Marine Litter: A Global Challenge,” released earlier this week by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Ocean Conservancy.

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