It’s that time of the year again; businesses are getting ready for their annual company get-togethers. Here are some must-have tips for keeping them green.
1. Buy Bulk. Reduce waste and expenses by eliminating individual cans, bottles, condiments and individually wrapped cutlery. Large coolers and bulk dispensing is the way to go.
2. Stay local. Don’t make people drive long distances to get to the picnic spot. You’ll save gas, time and minimize pollution. If you have to drive far, then carpool. Give incentives to those that ride their bike.
3. Recycle. Seems simple enough but most people don’t want to walk the extra 10 feet to put something in the recycling bin. If you are going to have a lot of aluminum cans and plastic bottles at your picnic make sure you have multiple, noticeable, recycling bins. Even better, set your goal to have a zero-waste event with everything reusable. Frisbees make a great plate and wonderful gift.
4. Use natural and organic food. Bring foods that are locally grown and feed money into your community. It is usually cheaper and better for the environment because no pesticides or additives were used.
5. Clean up. Clean up and make sure that nothing was left behind. Leave your picnic ground the way you found it.
By: Rachel Thomas, Eco Promotional Products, Inc.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/eco-friendly-picnics.html
http://humanityy.com/ecology/four-eco-friendly-tips-for-picnics-and-outings/
www.ecopromotionsonline.com
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Earth Hour 2011
One day out of the year people around the world are asked to switch off phones and lights for one hour. Earth hour 2011 will take place on Saturday March 26 at 8:30 p.m. Since 2007 Earth Hour has grown from one city to 128 countries and continues to grow. Join Eco Promotional Products, Inc. and turn your lights and phones off for one hour; see how much one hour can do and find other ways to make an environmentally conscious difference every day.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
High Lead Content in Grocery Totes
In an effort to go green many grocery stores are opting for reusable grocery totes rather than landfill bound plastic bags. The problem with this eco-friendly switch is that the lead content in some of these bags has been found to be high. The group Center for Consumer Freedom tested bags and found that 30 percent of those tested had lead content higher than the norm. “Consumers should not be scared,” the group said but the Federal government needs to extend standards on lead to products other than children’s toys and paint.
A test was done by TEI Analytical, Inc., a laboratory that does chemical testing; found that some bags made with Non-Woven Poly Propylene contained a large amount of lead. The study included bags from national chains such as Walgreens, Rite-Aid and Harris Teeter. CVS Pharmacy was found to be one of the retailers with the most amount lead in their bags. They had up to 500 parts per million (PPM) of toxic heavy materials in their bags, which is 5 times the allowed amount.
The lead on the bags does not easily come off but with the common wear and tear of everyday use, paint flakes can dislodge or threads can fray which then releases the lead. Eco Promotional Products, Inc. recognizes the harmful effects lead can have and only works with suppliers with products that have been test and checked. One of EPP’s suppliers has installed XRF Heavy Metal Detectors to scan,” ‘every batch and every color for lead and other heavy materials.’” The November, 2010 recall of reusable bags only allowed this supplier to market their bags, “they met a higher standard” than what already existed.
Another supplier EPP works closely with purchased the XLT Niton Analyzer Gun “to randomly check products before they get out our doors into your customers hands.” This device allows the supplier to make sure their products are compliant with hazardous substance standards. EPP is making more strides to ensure their products are safe. Lead products go through a third party to certify the lead content; there are also random lead spot-checks of products coming into the U.S. EPP also provides good alternatives to traditional grocery totes, ones made of cloth.
By: Rachel Thomas, Eco Promotional Products Inc.
Sources:
• http://dailycaller.com/2010/11/12/study-shows-reusable-bags-contain-high-levels-of-lead-content/
• http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/01/24/consumerwatch-study-finds-high-lead-levels-in-some-reusable-bags/
• http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/11/17/reusable-shopping-bag-ban-proposed-after-lead-discovery
• http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=354&Itemid=259
• www.counselormag.com
A test was done by TEI Analytical, Inc., a laboratory that does chemical testing; found that some bags made with Non-Woven Poly Propylene contained a large amount of lead. The study included bags from national chains such as Walgreens, Rite-Aid and Harris Teeter. CVS Pharmacy was found to be one of the retailers with the most amount lead in their bags. They had up to 500 parts per million (PPM) of toxic heavy materials in their bags, which is 5 times the allowed amount.
The lead on the bags does not easily come off but with the common wear and tear of everyday use, paint flakes can dislodge or threads can fray which then releases the lead. Eco Promotional Products, Inc. recognizes the harmful effects lead can have and only works with suppliers with products that have been test and checked. One of EPP’s suppliers has installed XRF Heavy Metal Detectors to scan,” ‘every batch and every color for lead and other heavy materials.’” The November, 2010 recall of reusable bags only allowed this supplier to market their bags, “they met a higher standard” than what already existed.
Another supplier EPP works closely with purchased the XLT Niton Analyzer Gun “to randomly check products before they get out our doors into your customers hands.” This device allows the supplier to make sure their products are compliant with hazardous substance standards. EPP is making more strides to ensure their products are safe. Lead products go through a third party to certify the lead content; there are also random lead spot-checks of products coming into the U.S. EPP also provides good alternatives to traditional grocery totes, ones made of cloth.
By: Rachel Thomas, Eco Promotional Products Inc.
Sources:
• http://dailycaller.com/2010/11/12/study-shows-reusable-bags-contain-high-levels-of-lead-content/
• http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/01/24/consumerwatch-study-finds-high-lead-levels-in-some-reusable-bags/
• http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/11/17/reusable-shopping-bag-ban-proposed-after-lead-discovery
• http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=354&Itemid=259
• www.counselormag.com
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