Benefit Corporation (B Corp) is ‘using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.’ It is a set of social and environmental standards which aim to bring up the bar on how businesses certify their social responsibility and environmental protection. Several states have mandated these standards and in California, legislation is moving toward encouraging, and maybe even incentivizing businesses to comply with B Corp Standards (sorry Vermont, California is a bigger deal…). It is difficult to appropriately convey that these standards are not about charitable contribution but rather the interworkings and decision making processes of a business, for example. These standards are meant to work with businesses and allow those willing to declare they are socially and environmentally responsible to stand out from the crowd of wolves. I was working to business practices to IFC standards while in Albania but the companies I worked with were required to comply in order to receive funding. We are a few steps behind Europe with our social protection but I believe B Corp is a step forward. This California Legislator says it best:

Unforeseen Changes

With so many sustainable changes happening in society and with products, interesting unforeseen necessary societal adjustments have started popping up. For example, electric cars may be mandated to have a sound that alerts pedestrians of their approach. Upon, reading the article, I realized how much I depend on sounds to know whether or not a vehicle is in the vicinity. Don’t get me wrong, I like the fact that electric vehicles barely make a peep, but can easily understand the accumulating accidents caused by this negligible peep. I wonder what other charming surprises await us???

Wind and Solar power for the home!

Home Depot is selling residential wind turbines, for $649. Looks like you don’t have to go to your local hay bale home contractor to get low impact energy for the home. You can also throw solar panels into your shopping cart. On top of that, in many states, there are incentives from your local and the federal government. Now if I can just convince my landlord to let me install a few of these guys…

Biodegradable? I just see methane

We started composting at Red Sky Blue Water and our waste was reduced by 60% automatically. The office wasn't sure how composting would contribute to sustainability but once the trashcan remained empty; it was a noticeable change in which people wanted to participate. There have been great advances, in Seattle especially, in the collection and processing of compost and new biodegradable products are popping up everywhere. But, oh but, all of these new products might be worse for the environment. What they don't do is take up space. One of my greatest concerns is how much space we take up so anything that reduces our 'large bum-print' is great. I will keep composting these "biodegradable' plastics but I will also continue to promote non-plastic reusable products. Disposable is still wasteful, no matter how much corn is in your cup. Reduce! Reuse!