New Ground: Small Steps to a Sustainable Environment

Hidden Green for Shoppers

Some everyday purchases may hide the green in more ways than one. In a few minutes’ search, I found three companies working towards money and energy saving environmental sustainability. Their efforts enable us all to take small steps towards personal sustainability and save some of the “green” in our wallets besides!

Since I’m a little strapped for time this week, I’ve linked the news articles so that you can get the details on each of these green companies.

Coca Cola^® debuts “Plant Bottle”

Have a smile and a coke! Coca Cola has developed a beverage bottle that is 30% plant material, sourced from molasses and sugar cane. They intend to begin promoting it through their Dasani and sparkling beverage brands. This is a step towards the company’s goal of developing bottles made from materials that are 100% recyclable and renewable.

From Post it Notes to TV Screens: 3M^® Makes a Green Commitment

A global giant in adhesive manufacture, 3M is taking giant steps towards a reputation as an environmentally conscious industry model. You’ll find more details by reading the article linked above, but here are a few that impressed me:

• Post it notes are made from 20% recycled paper.
• LCD TV sets manufactured with 3M’s Vikuiti brightness enhancement film use an average of 36.5 kilowatt hours less electricity per year than similar sets.
• In 1994, long before most of us were concerned with carbon emissions, 3M installed China’s first thermal oxidation furnace that not only cuts toxic emissions but also saves energy by recycling excess heat.

Wal-Mart: Pumping Up Energy Efficiency—Rolling Back Prices

Walmart is making it’s suppliers “go green”. The company insists that suppliers meet all current local and federal environmental standards. Walmart has also set new standards to boost energy efficiency and cut use of raw materials. Manufacturers have until 2012 to meet the new standards or risk termination as a Walmart vendor.

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Bike to Work Week

According to the League of American Bicyclists, half of all Americans live within five miles of their workplace. I’m willing to wager that at least half, if not over half, of all working Americans drive to work no matter how far away they live.

My daughter’s first job, after high school was in the Twin Cities, 50 miles north of our Southern Minnesota home. Oddly enough, though, she spent less time on the road than many of her co-workers who lived in the area.

Gridlock, road rage, and rising gas prices are three good reasons to put your car away for a week and take out your bike. This is the week to try it. It’s National Bike Month and this week is Bike to Work Week.

Likewise, Americans spend … well I don’t have the statistics … but I would guess millions of dollars a year on fitness. We drive to sedentary jobs and then we drive to our health clubs, day spas, and to the mall to purchase exercise equipment, and fitness DVDs. It just doesn’t make any sense.

Many locations throughout the US are planning special events and offering discounts, coupons, gifts, and/or prizes for participants. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or the League of American Bicyclists events page for events in your area.

Of course, the real prizes are good health, less stress, no gas expense, and the knowledge that you’re taking a small step towards a sustainable environment … one bicycle ride at a time!

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