ecobly blog

I can take criticism (gulp) - I can, really! So, when I got Walt's email titled, "what good is this?" I gave it a lot of thought. Maybe some other users have this question as well, so I figured I'd let you all in on the answer. Finding companies that meet the ecobly qualifications -- manufacturing goods sustainably, with local, green materials -- is a challenge, and I welcome your help!

Here's what he asked:

 "I joined ecobly this morning because I read about you in Waste & Recycling News. I wanted to see what you are about. I searched for car battery, not found, I tried beer, nothing, bread, nada, clothes, same thing, nothing found, swim suit, nope. You mean to tell me there is no american, local bread in my zip code?"

Talking about their carbon footprint is the new conversation in board rooms throughout the corporate world. This awareness is good, but is industry overlooking their biggest sources of pollution?

 Researchers at Carnegie Mellon have tracked how companies measure their climate pollution,  and found that they're missing large parts of their "footprints."

The study's abstract, posted on CM's website, reads:

Listen up all you green manufacturers - things are still looking positive for you, even in these troubled times. New research shows that consumers are still prioritizing eco-friendly products -- but they want to be sure it's the real deal.

A recent survey by  EnviroMedia Social Marketing and Green Seal says:

Four out of five people say they are still buying green products and services today-which sometimes cost more-even in the midst of a U.S. recession. ... Half of the 1,000 people surveyed say they are buying just as many green products now as before the economic downturn, while 19 percent say they are buying more green products. Fourteen percent say they are buying fewer environmentally green products. 

Good news! The challenge here is to (1) ensure you are reaching these consumers and (2) ensure they believe you are really "green."

There's a love-hate thang going on with "green" this year.  We have the (potentially) greenest president, Entrepreneur magazine named "green" one of the hottest trends of 2009 and many experts say green is the only bright spot in the economy. On the other hand, Lake Superior State University put "green" at the top of their 34th annual List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness.

 But don't let that hold you back! According to a recent New York Times article, companies are still going over the top to tout their eco-credentials (whether warranted or not!). Why would they put so much energy, effort and budget to make consumers think they are planet-friendly? BECAUSE IT WORKS!! 

In studies that track consumer attitudes about General Electric, Ms. Hu said, "all of our measures were up" since the campaign began, for positive attributes like the company's being "innovative, at the forefront of technology, making products that improve the quality of life, having a vision for the future, caring about the world you live in." 

There's a great column in this month's Sustainable Industries journal that summarizes the current research and information on the economic benefits of buying locally. (Read A Local Economy is a Healthy Economy.)

 Kevin Wilhelm hits the bull's eye when he writes:

Buying locally is a smart business strategy, especially over the long term, for several reasons. For starters, it contributes to a stronger economy in the communities where the business is located. Also, suppliers and consumers are demanding it because local purchasing not only reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from reduced shipping and transportation costs, but creates what famed economist John Keynes termed the "Local Multiplier Effect."

The businesses listed on ecobly.com are the best examples of this principle. Not only are they local companies with Made in the USA products, but they also source almost all of their eco-friendly materials from the local supply chain (though some do amazing things with reclaimed materials from across the country.)

Many ecobly companies make their products from our waste stream -- using recycled paper, glass and metal. Some take it a step further, like using old gold, worn out sweaters and tossed fur coats!

Everything we use can be repurposed or "upcycled" in some way. And these manufacturers are wringing every possible use out of our dumped stuff. But it won't help, if we don't buy it.