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Green Business Trends
June 13, 2008
Juneau Proves Ease of Energy Efficiency
Juneau, Alaska residents recently proved how quickly energy efficiency can happen. Cut off from their main source of electricity following a major avalanche and told it would take up to three months to repair – the city leaders were faced with a decision: use dirty, expensive diesel fuel, or conserve energy. In less than two weeks the entire city’s energy use dropped by 30%.
Exxon Upholds Status Quo
Despite more than a 60 percent shareholder dissent at the Exxon Mobil annual shareholder meeting, the company will continue to employ Rex Tillerson as both Chairman and Chief Executive.
Frustrated with the direction of Exxon and its unwillingness to invest in alternative energy, shareholders sought the hire of an independent chair to head the board. Tillerson spent much of the meeting defending Exxon’s current environmental policy and reminded shareholders that they could not “abandon” the oil and natural gas that are at the “core” of the business.
We encourage you to learn more about Exxon’s decision and the work of groups like Co-op America to ensure corporate responsibility.
Best Buy Offers Electronics Recycling
As You Sow, an investor corporate responsibility group successfully urged electronics retailer, Best Buy to implement an electronics take-back program. The program is the first ‘on-going free take-back program’ by a major retail chain. The program will go into effect in 117 stores in the San Francisco, Minneapolis and Baltimore/Washington, DC areas.
Conrad MacKerron, director of As You Sow’s corporate responsibility program said, “Making electronics recycling almost as easy as purchasing these goods has the potential to simplify recycling efforts for millions of consumers who may be confused about where to recycle goods in their area.”
Best Buy is contracting with recycling dealers to reuse and recycle the materials collected, and will only use vendors who employ best recycling practices.
Ed Begley teams up with Bayes Premium Cleaners
Actor and environmentalist Ed Begley recently signed a long-term contract with Bayes Premium Cleaners to endorse the company’s Revolutionary Eco-friendly Waterless Car Wash.
The wash is a one-step process that cleans, shines, and protects the vehicle without the use of water. Bayes claims that one 16oz. bottle can wash up to five cars and save up to 750 gallons of water. Bayes partner Mark Cunningham had this to say about the endorsement, “We’ve been admiring Ed’s dedication to sustainability for a long time. There is no doubt that Mr.Begley is a leader in the green movement, and we couldn’t be happier to have him on our team.”
Tell Wal-Mart to Recommit to its Founding Principles
Wal-Mart Watch has re-released its “Handshake with Sam” proposal urging Wal-Mart to recommit to Sam Walton’s founding principles of fair and honest business. According to Wal-Mart Watch, rather than work to green-wash the corporate giant, Wal-Mart would benefit from a fundamental restructuring that focuses attention on its founding principles. Despite a track record featuring lawsuits, tax evasion, gender discrimination and environmental negligence, Wal-Mart can still turn things around if they hold themselves to the standards Mr. Walton set.
H&M releases CSR Report
Swedish-based clothing company, H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB recently released its Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Some highlights include the companies reduced carbon emissions (21%), increased use of organic cotton, and increased attention to their manufacturers and supply chain.