Without question, businesses today are looking to elevate their
consciousness of the environment. We are committed to working with you across the
facility to become more environmentally conscious, or as we prefer
to say, responsible. We are investing in both research and product
development helping you make intelligent choices, as you move the
facility towards going green.
Sociologists, environmentalists as well as urban planners
are developing what are termed “Green Plans†for our
future. “Green Plans†treat the environment as it really
exists; as a single, inter-connected ecosystem that can only
be safeguarded for future generations through a systematic,
long-range plan of action. Through a shared vision and
cooperative effort among all sectors of society, both public
and private, we can demonstrate that a healthy environment,
enhanced quality of life and a vibrant economy can exist, and
they must co-exist to remain viable over time.
This is a broad marketing term that referring goods,
services and/or practices considered to inflict little harm
on the environment. “Environmentally Friendly†often
includes recycled products, a range of consumer-related
products that go through a “Green†certification program
(provided by Green Seal, a US-based non-profit agency),
biodegradable and compostable products, as well as
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products that are the result of manufacturing methods
committed to energy conservation. The governmental/
regulatory agencies who apply a “non-bias†set of
criteria about issues and standards supporting a range
of environmental considerations are the FTC (Federal
Trade Commission) and EPA (Environmental Protection
Agency). Each of these agencies are very clear about their
interests in ensuring that claims being made are qualified.
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to
protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA
has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment and
leads the nation’s environmental science, research,
education and assessment efforts. EPA develops and
enforces regulations that implement environmental laws
enacted by Congress. EPA is responsible for researching and
setting national standards for a variety of environmental
programs, and delegates to states and tribes the
responsibility for issuing permits and for monitoring and
enforcing compliance.Where national standards are not met,
EPA can issue sanctions and take other steps to assist in
reaching desired levels of environmental quality.
Products that are biodegradable or compostable reduce
waste and pollution, as well as help capture the full
value of our increasingly scarce natural resources. The
term “biodegradable†signifies a product has the ability
to break down safely and relatively quickly by biological
means. This term includes solids that biodegrade into
the soil (also known as compostable), and liquids which
biodegrade into the water. All such materials eventually
biodegrade, however, breakdown does occur at various
rates. |
