This is a departure from the usual blogs, to let you know, if you haven’t already heard, that Google is planning on going carbon neutral by the start of 2008, which is just around the corner. They’ve also started a nonprofit, RechargeIT, that focuses on alternative forms of transportation. On top of that and some other eco-friendly initiatives, they now have the largest solar installation in the country. Now that’s headed for a brighter future, pardon the pun!
It’s great to see that many companies are now beginning to adopt greener practices. Whether this is due to public pressure, the need for compliance, a marketing effort or the true desire to be environmentally friendly is hard to say, and differs from company to company (and among individuals within that company). However, the point is that there has been considerable momentum in this direction, facilitated by Al Gore’s movie (thanks Al!) among other things. I recently read an interesting article that focused on the rise of the ‘Chief Green Officer’ — thought I’d share it with you. It is in line with the experiences we’ve had while consulting with companies, small and large.
In general companies become interested in sustainability because they are required to comply to certain standards. Over a period of time, however, they realize that there are savings to be had, as well as the potential for new markets if they continue in that direction. The toughest part is getting them started! I could go into strategies for getting them started, but I will leave that for another blog and another day.
No, this is not some subtle allusion to the fact that only women should be cleaning — especially since I’m a woman! It’s about the fact that some household cleaners, personal care products, and laundry cleaners contain chemicals that stimulate estrogen production. Nonylphenol ethoxylates, or NPEs, is one such chemical, used as a surfactant in detergents as well as in other products around the home. NPE has been identified as the potential cause for male fish taking on female fish qualities and for increasing reproductive organ disorders and decreasing sperm counts in men.
According to the Northwest Coalition on Alternatives to Pesticides, it is hard to know in what quantity NPEs are used, since they are claimed as trade secrets when they are used as inerts. And because of the effects on wildlife and potential effects on humans, the Sierra Club is asking for a ban on NPEs. Though some companies, such as Procter &Gamble, phased out the use, it is still safer to stick to the natural alternatives. As a side note, Europe and Canada have already restricted NPEs use . We continue to be behind the curve on this stuff–I hope we take the lead someday!!
