KFC came under a lot of fire earlier this spring when they released the Double Down, a nutritional nightmare of bacon and cheese sandwiched between two fried chicken breasts. However little respect KFC is showing for the human body, they are making strides in saving the planet.
KFC has introduced plans to package its sides in plastic containers that are both dishwasher and microwave safe. At this moment, company plans state that these containers will be available at stores across the US by late spring of 2011. Businesswire lauds KFC with being the first fast food corporation to provide consumers with reusable packaging, and KFC was granted a 2010 Greener Packaging Award.
Cardboard toilet paper rolls. It's not something I think about too much. I guess it's sort of a nuisance when I run out of toilet paper in the upstairs bathroom and I need to remember to bring it downstairs to toss it in the recycling bin, but other than that, it's really never crossed my mind.
Then I saw that Scott toilet paper will be introducing a TUBE-FREE toilet paper through their Scott Naturals brand. Then it dawned on me: toilet paper tubes are not necessarily...necessary. At all. ... read more
Newsweek's annual Green Rankings came out last week. Some of the companies that make the list are surprising. Last year I was baffled that McDonald's made the list. (McDonald's actually dropped over 50 spots in the list since last year's rankings!) In another surprise, Whole Foods ranked lower than Wal-Mart. One trend I noticed is that technology companies have many of the top spots.
This year, Sprint clinched the sixth spot on the list, right behind Dell, HP, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and Intel. I've been a Sprint user for over 10 years, and recently when I was in my local Sprint store to get my Android fixed, I noticed some green phones as well as a link to the Sprint Green website.... read more
Green Collar Economy is probably the best green business resource on the web. It contains a gigantic B2B green business directory, green case studies, green whitepapers, an "Ask the Green Experts" section, and more.
Green Collar Economy is Boston-based, and founder Kevin Gulley started the company with the thought that the desire for profitable sustainability will be a huge factor in the economy. Besides the obvious benefit to the environment, a company going green opens up avenues for new products, new markets, more profits, new products, and opportunities to build better relationships with customers. Green Collar Economy can help a company make this transition.
Tasty, reasonably priced burritos, wraps, salads, smoothies, shakes, and cookies. Everything is delicious and they have free wifi. They have locations throughout New England.
Why it's Green:
Boloco is a certified green restaurant. Their "plastic" cups are made of corn and are 100% compostable and their bowls are made of bamboo. They use LED lighting, low-flow waterheads, and the tabletops and countertops are made from 50 to 100% post-consumer recycled paper and petroleum-free resin, called Paperstone.
Their ingredients are great, too. Organic tofu, antibiotic and hormone free meats, humanely raised steaks, and more. Take a look at their menu. I'm sure your mouth will water. ... read more
It's refreshing to see handmade eco-friendly furniture in a day where flimsy, particle board furniture is the norm. I'm excited to be profiling Michael Amaral Furniture, a furniture designer and builder based out of Rhode Island.
Why it's Keen:
I'll let a picture of Michael's beautiful furniture speak for itself.
Kelly Farkas of To-Go Ware introduces the company well:
"To-Go Ware provides reusable, non-plastic eating ware, including bamboo utensils, stainless steel food carriers and handcrafted accessories from communities abroad. Giving people some great options to reduce their forkprint while on-the-go. Our mission is to make available innovative products that provide a solution, tell a great story, and are enjoyable to use."
Nike Reuse-A-ShoeI was at the outlet mall this weekend and, while waiting for a friend to finish shopping at the Nike store, I perused their literature display. Now, I'm not going to pretend I am up-to-date on Nike's social practices, nor am I going to deny that their shoes work best for my proluxating feet when I work out. Social politics aside, what I saw in their literature case made me very proud to be a working out gal with Nikes on her feet.... read more
Universal Studios in Hollywood was recently honored with the EMA Environmental Media Association (EMA) Green Seal Award. The award is the first-ever given to a theme park for its commitment and effort in working towards a more environmentally conscious workplace and community.
I recently toured the theme park to witness their ‘greening’ efforts as a casual visitor.... read more
No more annoying kids toys that light up and play obnoxious music. (...and the parents sigh a breath of relief! I know there are only so many times I can listen to my son’s toys play “When You’re Happy and You Know It!”) The kid-powered toys at Pure Play Kids allow kids use their own imaginations and creativity. The toys are durable, safe, and non-toxic. They also don’t market to kids through advertising, licensed characters, film tie-ins, etc. The products are made in the USA or Europe.
From baby toys such as rattles, to puppets, wagons, and costumes for older kids, there is something for everybody! The toys are truly classic.
Why they're Green:
Since they’re so durable and made of wood, these toys can last for generations as opposed to getting broken and tossed into a landfill. Even better: many of the toys are wooden, recycled or made of other natural products. That way if your little one is in the midst of that “everything must go in the mouth!” phase, like mine is, you don’t have to worry that something toxic is going into the mouth.... read more
Cardboard toilet paper rolls. It's not something I think about too much. I guess it's sort of a nuisance when I run out of toilet paper in the upstairs bathroom and I need to remember to bring it downstairs to toss it in the recycling bin, but other than that, it's really never crossed my mind.
