The world is becoming more and more environmentally friendly each day with business examples such as this!
Check out this new and awesome video which recently came out below!
Leave your thoughts in the comments section!
Toronto is a “Sustainable” City! We Win!
Check out the article below which I found here. If you love being eco-friendly then this will definitely be of interest to you!
Recently, Toronto’s Fluf was awarded NYIGF’s Highest “SustainAbility” Status!
Fluf, a Toronto-based design and manufacturing company, has received the New York International Gift Fair’s® (NYIGF®) “SustainAbility3″ designation for its Soft Bin. The designation is the NYIGF’s highest level of sustainability honour for products, production processess and business practices.
Fluf’s Soft Bin is one seven products selected for the designation from the 250 products chosen to be featured in the SustainAbility: design for a better world® display at the Winter 2012 edition of the show. The Soft Bin is a handmade, 13″ x 9″ storage container made of original fabrics that are silk-screened with water-based pigments. Its base is a non-toxic, eco-friendly blend of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton. The packaging includes FSC-certified paper and 100% recycled materials. Fluf is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)-certified, and is a member of 1% for the Planet. It supports World Wildlife Fund, Ecojustice and the Wildlands League.
NYIGF’s “Degrees of SustainAbility” initiative outlines industry-specific criteria for identification of green products and producers. A three-tiered ranking—SustainAbility1 through SustainAbility3—indicates the extent to which a product/producer complies with these standards. Ilene Shaw of Shaw+Co! curates the exhibit and determines each participants’ ranking.
The other six companies/products to receive a SustainAbility3 designation are:
Bungalow360 Canvas Tote by Bungalow360: Water-based inks are used to embellish natural canvas bags, which are available in a range of sizes and complemented by a line of accessories. This company engages in several “green” business practices: using solar energy in its warehouse; composting and recycling; using hybrid vehicles; maintaining a work garden; and donating a set of solar panels each year to a non-profit group.
Shea Butter Body Cream by Elizabeth W: Hand-crafted in San Francisco, this vegetable-based product is paraben- and phytalate-free. The container can be reused or recycled. The packaging material is sourced from sustainably-managed forests and can be recycled. All packaging is letter pressed in-house with vintage Heidelberg letterpresses. The company participates regularly in charitable events and supports charities across the country.
Sueno Recycled Aluminum by Mariposa: This handmade tableware collection is crafted from 100% recycled aluminum. Established 20 years ago, this company was one of the first “green” manufacturing facilities in Mexico. The factory was certified by the Mexican government in December 2010, and is part of the first “green” industrial park in the country, Ciudad Industrial Xicohtencatl I. To qualify for this distinction, the entire management team had to be certified in environmental quality.
Modern-Twist Studio Line by Modern-Twist: This line of coasters and trivets is crafted from non-porous, germ-free FDA grade silicone. It is free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates and other harsh chemicals. It is 100% recyclable through designated silicone recycling plants in the United States, and the packaging also is recycled and recyclable. This company supports the WAGES (Women’s Action to Gain Economic Security) cooperative by creating healthy, dignified jobs for low-income women.
Hand-carved Wooden Bowls and Stools by PATS: These products are made from wood sourced from small communal forests in the Amazon in Peru. The forests are harvested using Sustainable Forest Management Plans of 20-30 years rotation. On average, only one tree per acre is harvested to allow for natural regeneration. PATS (Partnership and Technology for Sustainability) is a non-profit organization that employs 30 full-time artisans from the Yanesha Indigenous Community.
Eco Collections by the Sugoi Group: This company represents a high quality collection of “green” products which are produced ethically, including the reusable bamboo “spork” utensil made from sustainably-harvested bamboo by U Konserve; the organic hemp Kombucha bag designed by EarthLust; and a line of men’s ties made of reclaimed redwood by Wood Thumb. The company ensures that the companies it works with are diligent about personally overseeing their manufacturing processes and safety testing.
NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better world® was launched in 2007 to showcase global gift, home and lifestyle suppliers whose products and/or production processes are eco-friendly, as well as companies whose business practices are socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade oriented. A zero-tolerance policy was enacted for any products with VOC; lead (for baby, children and food-related products0; aniline dyes, formaldehyde and chlorine (for textiles); and PVC, without recommendation for use and disposal.
SustainAbility: design for a better world® will be on display in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s North Connector from Saturday, January 29th through Wednesday, February 1. A complete list of winter 2012 display participants and product descriptions is available online at http://nyigf.com/TheShow/Sustainability.aspx.
For more information, click here to visit the website where I got this article from! Very interesting news!
7 Billion!
So by the end of this month the world’s population will surpass 7 billion people, according to the UN. That is a lot of people using a lot of resources.
Forming a human chain with 7 billion people would circle the earth 175 times and have a length of 7 million kilometres. Also it is interesting to note that 4.4 new babies are born every second. For most of human history the population has grown fairly slowly. In the last 50 years the earths population has doubled.
Solar power and organic farming luckily are becoming more and more popular.
What better time to go green? All 7 billion of us have a responsibility to keep our world sustainable. Check out your local cities website for more information. In Toronto go here.
Toronto’s version of the Amazing Race, Eco Style!
TO’s Eco Chase will have a number of teams that are all striving for the same goal and in a fun and active way. Sustainability. Similar to the amazing race model, the eco chase will consist of a bunch of teams that race around Toronto for the day. They will be navigating their way through the cities greenest spots on a scavenger hunt. Not only will they be racing around the cities green spots they will be learning along the way.
The teams will be uncovering Toronto’s most sustainable secrets. Instead of sitting inside listening to someone speak to a large audience the participants will be able to meet and greet with all the other contestants and green companies like, MEC, Bullfrog Power, Ethical Deal, GreenHere, autoshare and waste2wonder and get first hand knowledge in person.
This is a fantastic opportunity for any person or business that is looking to expand their green knowledge or business through networking with like minded individuals and companies.
During the chase no cars are allowed to be used. A TTC day pass will be provided to use the cities transit system. You can walk or run. Of course bikes are loved by the green community but for the purpose of this event cannot be used. MEC will be providing a prize to the winners and all participants will receive a $10 gift card from Ethical Deal.
Be at 221 Yonge Street this Saturday October 22 at noon to get cracking. Get out there and get to know your Green Toronto.
Evergreen Planting more Trees in the City
Evergreen makes cities more livable and is a country wide charity. They have been helping and educating Canadians since 1991 to create and sustain outdoor spaces. They are the leader in Canada when it comes to sustainable green projects in parks and schoolyards.
This weekend on Saturday July 23 they are holding a public tree planting event at Evergreen Brick Works. So head out and lend a hand. Help make an impact on improving our wonderful city of Toronto’s green space.
All you need to bring with you is a reusable water bottle and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Evergreen will be taking care of providing tools, gloves and refreshments.
Greater Toronto Civic Action Alliance Greaning GTA
The Living City Report Card was brought forth in 2010 by Greening Greater Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation. The purpose of this is to raise awareness of what organizations, governments and residents have to do reduce their environmental impact.
They also have a few other programs that have improved energy use in commercial buildings, increase sustainability of purchasing decisions made by corporations and lent a hand to get a fund going for large Canadian corporations to invest some of their money to community emission reduction projects.
These guys are doing some great work for change in the city of Toronto for the city of Toronto.
University of Toronto Sustainability Office
Using its campus as a living lab, the University of Toronto’s Sustainability Office makes students aware in serious efforts to conserve energy.
100 solar collector panels recently installed on top of the Athletic Centre roof, “Ban the Bulb” campaign that reduced bulb use, reflective roofs on 18 buildings and the of U of T’s 1st LEED Gold Certification is just some of the recent happenings.
In 2009 U of T signed the Ontario Universities Committed to a Greener World pledge which acknowledges its leadership role in working toward a sustainable environment.