Top 5 Tips for Green Company Picnics

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

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

Michelle Sheldon from Eco Promotional Products

The Younger Generation of "Green"

The 2nd annual Cantigny Green Festival in Wheaton, IL was held Saturday, September 25, 2010. The fair, co-produced by Cantigny and School and Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting (SCARCE), celebrated, “what’s working in our local community—for people, business and the environment.” Promoting a green and safe environment the fair had activities for families, a fashion show, and booths set up to buy and sample green products.

The fair showcased the “Going Green” phenomenon that has been taken up by celebrities and large corporations. The question that arises is who is really being affected? Is this recent “fad”, celebrities and CEO’s have jumped on, really changing the view of future generations?

Richa Bhargava of Naperville, IL is one example of a member of the younger generation not getting lost in the “fad” and is actually learning what it means to be environmentally smart. “I think my generation is really the one affected by “going green,” Bhargava said. Bhargava, who attends Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, heard about the Green Fair from her school’s environmental club but was prompted to go by her AP Environmental teacher for extra credit.

The Green Festival showed Bhargava a number of organizations and companies going green. Bhargava said that corporations advertised a great deal about “going green” but with little results. She was comforted with the fact that other companies, along with Eco Promotional Products, Inc. were doing more. “Seeing recycled t- shirts, purses, jewelry and an electric car really emphasizes how we can actually change and truly go green,” Bhargava said.

The younger generations are catching on quicker than people think and really want to do what is right by the environment. The Cantigny Green Festival in Wheaton promotes awareness and fun for all generations. Bhargava feels the same, “It’s good to know that someone is taking the first step to change.”
Written by: Rachel Thomas from Eco Promotional Products, Inc.