By Jeffrey Berlin •
May 27, 2009
As the Economist wages the largest debate about bio-fuels in memory, another market opportunity appears to be showing itself in the bio production space as well. Bio plastics have been sprouting up in various applications, but a recent study puts the total market of green packaging at $43.9Billion by 2013. The highest growth gains in this market will be in bio plastics for reasons of price stability and increased capacity the report said. Bio plastics will, it is reported, preform at an annual growth rate of thirteen percent. This spells big news for an industry which currently holds only about .1% percent market share.
Part of the reason for this growth will be due to policy changes which restrict the use of some of the most environmentally damaging materials, but the largest effect seems to be coming from packaging producers themselves. Corporate social responsibility leader Coca Cola has developed a new bottle which is composed of around thirty percent bio plastics with the intended goal of developing a one hundred percent renewable option in the future. Likewise, Wal-Mart has begun sourcing toys and children’s goods made from bio plastics.
The draw is that decomposition coupled with less petroleum based material seems to be better environmentally, but some counter this analysis. According to the Guardian Newspaper, foods producers in the UK such as Innocent Drinks have chosen to stop using bio plastics due to lack of recycling options for the products at present. Likewise there have been claims that bio plastics can be environmentally damaging on par with their petroleum based counterparts. Recent innovations have made it so less energy is needed to create bio plastics and thus it seems the growth of the sector makes environmental sense. Followers of Bill McDonough’s cradle to cradle concept often tout the re-usability and closed-loop life cycle of these products, while others derided their historically slow decomposition rates. Some applications in the burgeoning bio plastics space are:
By Lucille Chi •
May 21, 2009
Now in its 33rd year, the Union Street Festival is one of San Francisco’s biggest and best free annual events. This June the event will feature speakers, authors, organic cooks, gardening demos and more.
“This year the east entrance of the Festival, (beginning at Gough) will again feature arts and crafts created with recycled and sustainable materials and eco-friendly exhibits. Additionally, the Festival showcases 150 arts & crafts booths, 25 gourmet food booths, two stages of live entertainment and bistro style cafes.”
Keep reading for event details:
By Sonya •
February 8, 2009
Is your family pet going green with eco-friendly pet care products?
Green pet care products are healthier choices for your family because they’ll likely be less toxic for your home, your pet and the environment. While buying organic food and treats is easy, it can be challenging to source other eco-friendly pet care products.
Recently, I’ve discovered Marmalade pet care, a pet product design firm that emphasizes renewable/recyclable materiality. The firm addresses ‘good design’ practices with “domestic sourcing; sustainable materials; efficient production and eventual recyclability of the product.”
By Jennifer Lance •
October 29, 2008
Many parents feed their children healthy organic food, but they often neglect to consider their child’s main environment, their bedroom or nursery, for ecological consideration. Tiny Decor is a company commited to helping families chose eco-friendly products for interior design without sacrificing style. Tiny Décor products are handmade in the USA and feature:
- Ecospun® Felt made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
- Bamboo fiber pillow inserts and batting
- PLA-fiber pillow inserts made from corn
My daughter likes Tiny Decor’s felt buckets. These soft felt buckets are great for storage. My daughter keeps her Only Hearts Club dolls in her felt bucket, which may not be the most eco-friendly doll, but at least they minimize the plastic and look like girls instead Playboy models. Each bucket is made from:
By Dawn Killough •
July 26, 2008
The newest structural element has been used in Asia for years. Now it is tested and certified for use in the western world. It can be grown and harvested in three years, and is actually good for the environment. But, will it catch on?
By Lucille Chi •
June 25, 2008
Carry Eco bags are an environmentally-friendly alternative to paper and plastic ones, the bags are offered in many pattern and color schemes, and made of 100% recycled bottles as strong as water-repellent canvas. Not only are the Carry Eco bags manufactured using sustainable materials and procedures, they are also ethically audited.
A chic tote that is durable, replaces disposable bags, looks good, and lasts. The carry-all fold-up totes are under thirteen [...]
