Subject: Re: FW: Quote for Article on Green Purchasing |
From: "Barrett Brown" <barriticus@gmail.com> |
Date: 5/22/08, 15:44 |
To: "Paul Firth" <paul_firth@thegreenstandard.org> |
Hi Barrett,
See if these answers work for you. If not, feel free to reply back for further information or clarification.
"1. What are some of the more egregious examples you've come across of a company trying to pass off its products or serves as "green" without actually working towards such a thing in any meaningful way?"
I really don't want to call out names with this, but one that sticks out to me was the Hummer/Prius comparison that came out a few years back. Having a background in Life Cycle Assessment, it was pretty disconcerting how multiple traits of LCA were discussed, but no details or apparent consistency between the true functionality of the two vehicles being studied. I don't think any executives in the Hummer family have really and truly been working towards a more sustainable world at least not in the public eye.
"2. What advice would you give to a company that's taking its first steps towards environmental responsibility? Even before taking into account such things as the life cycle assessment of the items and services it uses and sells, are there any simple steps that an organization can follow to get on the right track?"
Start with a general concept, goal or mission around sustainability. It needs to have support from senior management. Then formulate a plan of attack. Start with what is referred to as "low hanging fruit"; those things that are easily obtained and provide fast results. It helps engage everyone and excite them about what you are doing. As far as where to start specifically, keep in mind that sustainability has three 'legs' to it: Environmental, Social and Economic. If a program is completely uneconomical (no payback and a drain on resources), then it won't be sustainable. Today, most people expect companies to have something in place that addresses the following areas:
· Greenhouse Gas strategy for reductions/mitigation; many are considering this to be standard operating procedure now
· Energy policy through reductions or efficiency gains as well as a plan to move towards more renewable or alternative energy sources
· Material utilization including waste management and recycling that addresses office and production wastes; often you see this as a part of an overall material usage strategy with the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle; included in this type of strategy is normally something about bio-based, natural or recycled materials as a means of moving away from virgin materials
· Employee engagement and well being plan stemming from social sustainability; it is generally accepted that employees that are engaged and are shown that their employer cares will be more productive, have lower turnover, etc.
· Purchasing policy to address purchasing habits and criteria to aid in using more sustainable materials
I hope this is what you were asking for. If not, feel free to give me a call of send another email.
Paul
Paul M. Firth
Vice President, Technology
The Green Standard TM
Global Sustainability through Products and Practices
243 Hillcrest Circle Chapel Hill, NC 27514 USA
P: (706) 668-7658
From: Barrett Brown [mailto:barriticus@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 11:03 AM
To: Paul Firth
Subject: Re: FW: Quote for Article on Green Purchasing
Paul-
Thanks for getting back to me. I had a couple of quick questions for you; would you be able to shoot back a response sometime today?
1. What are some of the more egregious examples you've come across of a company trying to pass off its products or serves as "green" without actually working towards such a thing in any meaningful way?
2. What advice would you give to a company that's taking its first steps towards environmental responsibility? Even before taking into account such things as the life cycle assessment of the items and services it uses and sells, are there any simple steps that an organization can follow to get on the right track?
Thanks again for your time; I look forward to hearing from you.
Barrett Brown
On Wed, May 21, 2008 at 9:53 PM, Paul Firth <paul_firth@thegreenstandard.org> wrote:
Hi Barrett,
My name is Paul Firth with The Green Standard. I have been asked to contact you about your request for a quote, etc., for your article. If you are still interested. Please let me know and I would be happy to talk with you.
Sincerely,
Paul M. Firth
Vice President, Technology
The Green Standard TM
Global Sustainability through Products and Practices
243 Hillcrest Circle Chapel Hill, NC 27514 USA
P: (706) 668-7658
From: Deborah Dunning [mailto:Deborah_Dunning@TheGreenStandard.org]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:33 PM
To: Paul_Firth@TheGreenStandard.org
Subject: Quote for Article on Green Purchasing
Paul: Asking if you'd call the writer of this article tomorrow and provide him with a quote. Thanks, Deborah
Deborah Dunning, President & CEO
The Green Standard (TM)
Global Sustainability through Products & Practices
243 Hillcrest Circle
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 USA
www.TheGreenStandard.org
O: 919-968-6516 C:919-824-5509----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Nieminen
To: Barrett Brown
Cc: Deborah Dunning
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:39 PM
Subject: RE: Quote for Article on Green Purchasing
Hi Barrett,
Thank you for your e-mail and for your interest in the Green Guide to NeoCon and obtaining a quote about product LCA's. Deborah Dunning, the president of The Green Standard, whom I've copied here, was responsible for producing the content of the Green Guide and would probably be the best person to provide you with the information you need. She and her staff are experts in this field and would most certainly be able to give you a great quote for your article.
If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards,
Robert
Robert Nieminen | Editor
P.O. Box 1449
Lake Worth, FL 33460
Ph: (561) 586-3754
Fax: (561) 586-3755
robert.nieminen@interiorsandsources.com
From: Barrett Brown [mailto:barriticus@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:39 AM
To: Robert Nieminen
Subject: Quote for Article on Green Purchasing
Hi, Robert-
I'm a freelance writer and I'm working on an article for a new trade publication that serves the convention display design and production industry. The piece concerns the manner in which those involved in this and related fields can minimize the environmental impact of their industry without being taken in by those firms which purport to offer green options while ignoring legitimate barometers of impact such as Life Cycle Assessment.
I have a copy of the Green Guide that Interiors & Sources put out recently, and I'd like to mention it in the article as a good place to start for those who are new to green purchasing. I was also curious if you or one of your writers might be willing to give me a quick quote about what to look for when assessing the LCA of the products they use, or perhaps an anecdote regarding some of the more dubious examples of green products that you or your writers may have come across.
About the publication:
360 is a monthly custom publication sent from Radius Display products to approximately 5,000 of their clients, who are primarily display dealer owners, sales managers and project managers. This article will be featured in its first issue, which is due to publish at the end of June.
If you can provide me with a quick quote or put me in touch with someone who might be able to, please get back to me later today or tomorrow if possible.
Thanks,
Barrett Brown