Archive for eco friendly shopping
Artists donate music to Patagonia’s eco-friendly line
Posted by: | CommentsPatagonia, Inc have long been one of the most established names in eco-friendly clothing, the company founded in 1972 have always focused on outdoor wear with an emphasis on hiking, biking, cycling, swimming and surfing. It was fairly natural that they would be one of the earliest companies to lend lasting support to environmental initiatives both in their product line but also in the practices of the company. They’ve been involved with donating 1% of their total sales to environmental groups since 1985 over which time more than $25 million has been donated to different organizations. They also co-founded the ‘alliance 1% For the Planet’ for like-minded businesses and won the 2008 ‘Eco-Brand of the Year’.
Perhaps more importantly the company has strict environmental practices in place when it comes to the products that they manufacture, assessing raw materials and considering environmental impact for all products that they sell. The company also takes part in the ‘Common Threads Initiative’ (a recycling program) and the ‘Conservation Alliance’. The company has now introduced another avenue to support environmental funding with the launch of “Patagonia Music”.
Now their website will sell songs donated by artists for 99 cents each with the entire proceeds from each sale going to an environmental cause just as selected by the artist. The launch will feature 22 tracks by different artists and then a further four songs will be added on a weekly basis. In addition to downloads the compilations also be available as physical CDs (remember them?) at retail outlets.
More than 100 artists have already elected to contribute music to the campaign including Pearl Jam, Los Lobos, Drive By Truckers, Ziggy Marley, Maroon 5 and many more. The founder and owner of Patagonia stated in a press release:
“Patagonia is hopeful other musicians will see that by just donating a song they can easily provide their favorite environmental group with a new stream of financing.”
It’s a novel way for artists to support a cause that their fans will embrace while paying more than lip service to environmental issues. Now that the campaign has launched you can find out more plus purchase and download songs via the Patagonia.com website, an iPhone app or directly via each artists website in association with the company.
Tags: alliance 1% For the Planet, conservation, Drive By Truckers, eco branding, eco friendly shopping, eco-friendly clothing, Los Lobos, Maroon 5, musicians donate to eco business, patagonia dot com, patagonia music, Pearl Jam, Recycling, Ziggy MarleyOakville Mall Flexing Some Ecofriendly Living Muscle
Posted by: | CommentsGreen Food Court Key in Ecofriendly Living Goals
Since May 2009, Oakville Place Food Court has been providing food court customers with the choice of washable plastic or disposable plates. It’s a new program to the Greater Toronto Area (and possibly Canada but correct me if I’m wrong) and it appears to be a hit with customers who appreciate having an ecofriendly living choice.
According to an article in the Toronto Star, Jason Miller spent an hour observing customers dining at any of the food court’s 10 eateries and not a single disposable plate was chosen. There were take-out containers requested by customers opting to eat elsewhere but for in-court diners, reusable was the way to go. Estimates from eatery employees put the number at 9 out of 10 customers opting for reusable. That equates to anywhere from 500 to 1000 plates per day being diverted from landfills. If you have any concern with reusing plastic plates you can put your mind to rest. The plates are washed and sterilized before being restocked.
The food court program is part of a strategy of creating a mall that is more in-line with ecofriendy living. Their ultimate goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in waste going to landfill by next year. Very honourable.
Hopefully more malls will take heed and adapt their own green initiatives. If Oakville Place is any indication, ecofriendly living is catching on. Consumers need only be presented with the option. As Martha would say, it’s a good thing.
Ban Plastic Bags For True Eco Friendly Shopping
Posted by: | CommentsIs A Bag-Fee Policy A Step Towards Eco Friendly Shopping?
On June 1st, 2009, the bag-fee policy takes effect in Toronto and although some may say it’s a step in the right eco friendly shopping direction, I’m not so sure. The facts about the bag-fee policy are:
- Retailers must charge a minimum of 5 cents for each plastic shopping bag requested by a shopper
- If plastic shopping bags are not available, retailers must provide a free recyclable alternative (such as a paper bag or cardboard box)
- The bag charge detailing the number of bags purchased and the total amount charged must be recorded on the receipt
- Retailers must accept the use of ANY reusable container brought in my a customer (whether it be a bag, bin, box, carrier)
- Retailers are entitled to keep the money from the plastic bag charges
- The policy also bans non-compliant bags (bags that cannot be recycled – no plastic bags with string handles or metal fittings)
- The policy also bans biodegradable plastic bags as they are not accepted by the recyclers the city deals with
