Earth Day Becomes Bag Day for Scuppies

Have you noticed how intimidating a trip to the grocery store is these days--if you don’t bring your own shopping bags? And most stores don’t even bother asking if you want plastic; they don’t have plastic bags any more. Diva recently overheard one customer heatedly pointing out to the checkout person: “Well, if you no longer provide plastic bags--which I actually reuse for a hundred things around my house, like collecting dog poop [can’t use paper for that]--then I guess I have to go get a box of plastic bags to add to my grocery order. The difference is, I pay for the bags; you don’t!”

Of course, the Whole Foods’ eco-friendly bag, for which customers pay, has become extremely popular. You see it at the beach or the shopping mall, as well as at the grocer. San Francisco and other cities are passing ordnances outlawing plastic bags provided by retailers. As Earth Day, April 22, approaches, recyclable bags are a big deal. Even the Chinese are getting in on the act. This summer, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce will begin fining up to 10,000 Yuan (about $1,428 USD) if stores provide shoppers with free plastic bags. So, if you are headed to Beijing for the Olympics, take a re-useable, eco-friendly bag with you.

This green thing is becoming a whole consumer movement. Marketers are now searching for a new moniker for Earth-friendly consumers. The term LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) has been around for a while, referring to folks who have green values. Now, According to
USA Today, the caption “Scuppies”--socially conscious upwardly mobile persons--is being introduced by Chuck Failla, who operates a New York/Connecticut financial services firm. The term borrows from earlier names, including yuppies, buppies, and the like. You can see his take on Scuppies on his Web site, where his “The Scuppie Manifesto” is posted at www.scuppie.com. He is officially launching his Scuppie movement on Earth Day this year, along with his new book [sort of like the Preppy Handbook that was popular some years back].

Diva says, you can decide whether or not you are a Scuppie. But, hey, recyclable bags are good for everyone--except Fido.

--Diva.

Kicking China to the Curb

China, as it turns out, isn't as great as we hoped it would be. Sure, with billions of inhabitants the possibilities for consumer consumption are endless and for our benefit, the products are dirt cheap. So, our country has been more than happy to take advantage of these low, low prices and then sell Made in China goods to everyone in the United States.

But, then like all seemingly perfect partnerships, China dropped the ball. First, with the tainted pet food containing melamine, which killed thousands of our beloved pets. Then, we discovered that many toys Made in China were tainted with lead, a known poisonous killer. Of children. Now, going with the cheapest manufacturer of products isn't sounding so good.

Today, there are even deeper concerns about how widely pesticides and illegal antibiotics are used in foods from China. Yikes! The whole thing is starting to get pretty frightening. Apparently, the saying is true--you do get what you pay for. And we haven't even touched on their communist regime and oppressive treatment of their people.

Fortunately, one food retailer is actually discontinuing their use of some of their Made in China products. Trader Joe's recently announced plans to pull single-ingredient items from China (like spinach and garlic) from its stores in efforts to protect its customers. Yay Trader Joe's! Whole Foods, on the other hand, released a statement defending its relationships with vendors in China, stating that they carry so few Made in China products, that it doesn't make sense for them to discontinue use.

Really? Even though illegal antibiotics and pesticides are reportedly being used on food coming from China? Wait--isn't Whole Foods a health food store? I'm so confused. Since Whole Foods doesn't carry a huge amount of products from China, it wouldn't seem like a big deal to eliminate them from its product lines. It would actually seem like a positive way to send the message to its customers that their health (and survival!) is important. So, what gives?

I love Whole Foods, or at least I did. As a girl that eats wheat-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free, I need a store like Whole Foods. But, I don't need pesticides or illegal antibiotics in my food and I am not a fan of China.

What do you think is motivating Whole Foods? Are they simply trying to save a buck (a savings we as shoppers are not receiving, as their prices are outrageous!)? Or do they really believe in the solidarity and safety of their products/vendors from China? Do you think all grocery chains should ax all products with ingredients from China? Would love to hear your thoughts on this hot topic.

--Heather Strang

Christmas Brings Out the Green in Everyone

The Christmas season is here, in all of its red and green retail brilliance. But, there's some other retail green that's getting lots of cheer as well--environmentally friendly green, that is. If you haven't noticed, retailers going green is all the rage. Everybody is doing it and feeling good about it, which we love!

From green design to green products, the eco-friendly retail market is buzzing. With companies like L.L. Bean, J.C. Penney and Fresh & Easy supermarkets implementing the latest green technologies into building design, it was only a matter of time before a top 10 list was released for the greenest retail companies. New York-based Juice Energy Inc., an electricity supplier specializing in renewable energy sources, released its list mid-November. Check to see if some of your favorites made the list (I know mine did!). And so, with no further ado, I present to you the 10 greenest retailers (and some interesting facts about them, too):

Patagonia - It's Common Threads recycling program (using recycled fleece no less!) has turned heads, including the retailer's commitment to purchase electricity from renewable resources-- doing so before it was even hip in 1998.

Kohl's - Second-largest buyer of green power--WOW! In addition, installing rooftop solar energy panels for its California stores.

Whole Foods Market - Buys green power to match all electricity usage.

prAna - One ups Whole Foods by purchasing green power equal to all electricity usage for all stores that sell its products, company headquarters and the homes of its full-time employees. Impressive!

REI - Purchases green power for annual electricity use, and builds green stores.

UPS - Cut 28.5 million miles of driving by making routes more efficient. Also operates biggest alternative fuel truck fleet.

Timberland - Uses recycled cardboard and soy ink for boxes and green tags all products with greenhouse gas emissions ratings.

Nike - Plans to be carbon neutral by 2011 (buys offset credits) and is currently redesigning products to be more eco-friendly.

Wal-Mart - Largest buyer of organic cotton products. Plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent no later than 2015.

Target - Donated 7 million pounds of food in 2006 and has four stores using solar electricity, with 14 more to jump on board as well.

These major retailers are making their mark on the environment, their public image and for their employees and customers. Even Barneys joined in the fun for the holidays (as the Diva reported), with their "Give Good Green" holiday marketing campaign (catchy, eh?) featuring "Have a Green Holiday" eco-displays, as well as the opportunity for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint with green gifts.

So, did we miss anyone? Probably. But that's a good thing--when you have so many green retailers that you can't possibly mention them all.

Know a retailer rockin' the environment? Or do you have an eco-friendly retail favorite? Let us know!

--Heather Strang

Color Me Green

It's no longer a trend. Alert the media, call your grandma and sit the kids down for "the talk." Green living is here to stay, folks. It's not just about eating organic food and replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescents (although that's a very good start). Nope, green is making it BIG in the world of fashion and not so surprisingly, in cars. Fashion--the notorious "it" industry--is showcasing some of the most progressive and forward-thinking collections since...well, the caveman and the loin cloth.

Case in point, during the recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in California, Evidence of Evolution Green unveiled its 2008 spring/summer collection. While that's noteworthy on its own, catch this - Mercedes-Benz was actually sponsoring Evidence of Evolution Green as part of the release of its eco-friendly E320 BLUETEC automobile. Nice. In an outstanding partnership, Mercedes-Benz released its clean-diesel engine car during fashion week where it also sponsored an eco-friendly clothing line. Talk about strategic target marketing!

Even though an eco-friendly Mercedes is worth mentioning, it's this fashion line that's got me all worked up. The line uses low-impact dyes and zero volatile organic compounds (VOC). Who knew?! In addition, Evidence of Evolution is providing a collection comprised of eco-friendly and organic fabrics for fashion maven Barneys New York. Not too shabby. Collection pieces include organic sateen cotton for men and organic cotton voile dresses for women.

Designers Ali Alborzi and Andrew McCarthy created the ready-to-wear collection, launching their creations in 2004. The line is sold exclusively in not only Barneys, but Maxfield Los Angeles, Ships Japan and Montaigne Market Paris.

To top it off, the clothes are actually attractive. Skinny pants, flowing tops and slip-on mini-dresses made the line for 2008 and it all looks wearable--even for us "normal" people. A lot of fashion week clothing looks best only on models (a la' Nicky Hilton's new line), but not Evidence of Evolution. I say, let's get to Barneys!

I'll know green living has seeped into every aspect of retail and fashion when Target launches its own eco-friendly line. It's just a matter of time...But, until then, I'm enjoying how eco-chic our world is becoming.

--Heather Strang

Global Warming Affects Fashion?!

Al Gore left out one important disastrous consequence of global warming in his stunning docu-drama, An Inconvenient Truth. He forgot to warn us that global warming would greatly impact (are you ready for this?)...fashion. Alas, here we are in October 2007, with announcements from the fashion and retail industries, that due to "unpredictable" weather patterns, it is virtually impossible to follow the traditional spring/summer and fall/winter collection releases.

Apparently, global warming is affecting retail sales, fashion releases, oh and, of course, the ENVIRONMENT. Putting all kidding aside though, recent wacky weather patterns are having a negative impact on retail sales. Retailers are consistently reporting lower than expected sales due to unseasonably warm weather in fall months and cooler weather during typically warmer months. So, what's a fashionista to do?

Beppe Modenese, founder of Milan Fashion Week (and fashion insider) told The New York Times, "The whole fashion industry will have to change." He also commented that designers, "must adapt to the reality that there is no strong difference between summer and winter any more."

Liz Claiborne, Target and Kohl's are already proactively making this change by hiring climatologists. While it might seem like the local weather man throws a dart at a climate board and then makes his weekly forecast, you can't blame retailers for trying. When sales start dropping, retailers need to explore a variety of solutions, even if it involves hiring an on-site weather person.

In addition, Target also announced that it will offer swimwear year-round, which will only make vacation shopping a lot easier. Look, positive changes are coming from global warming. Who would have thought?!

The general consensus seems to be that designers need to provide all-weather clothing year-round. So, instead of selling bulky items for supposed "winter" months, designers will include layering pieces, so that consumers can purchase layers as they need too. Global warming is bringing our world many changes, and fashion/retail is no exception. Retailers and designers are stepping up to the plate and adjusting decades-long industry standards to better meet their customers needs. How fantastic is that?!

In the meantime, I'm eagerly awaiting Al Gore's next documentary, Inconveniencing Fashion--The Global Warming Phenomena. :)

Noticed any recent retail/fashion changes due to global warming? Let us know!

--Heather Strang

Carbon Emissions are the New Retail Enemy

Everybody's doing it. Literally. Retailers the world over are finally giving consumers what they want--environmentally friendly practices. From Wal-Mart to Cole Haan, eco-conscious store operations, products and services are popping up everywhere there's an "open" sign. Safeway kicked things off in the grocery sector by adding 20 percent biodiesel fuel to their trucks from domestically manufactured virgin soybean oil. I knew that stuff had to be good for something. Wal-Mart has a fleet of hybrid vehicles for light-duty use and followed in Safeway's tracks by making 7,200 of its semi tractor-trailer trucks 15 percent more fuel efficient, with plans to meet a target of 25 percent efficiency.

Next, fashion retailers got savvy with reusable tote bags. I still believe that Trader Joe's started the trend with their Hawaiian vinyl bags, but regardless of who made it happen, major department stores are following suit. Cole Haan recently announced plans to release a100% cotton canvas bag --trimmed in chrome-free vegetable leather no less--and decked out in company colors. It also features their logo, so of course, they're encouraging consumers to use the stylish bags all over town. But hey, who cares, if it keeps us from wasting disposable plastic/paper bags and further polluting our environment? Even I can get behind shameless marketing if it has a positive environmental impact.

The eco-friendly attitude isn't just happening in the United States; U.K. retailer Marks & Spencer announced the opening of "eco-stores" in Scotland. The new stores emit 95 percent LESS carbon dioxide and utilize incredible technology like roof mounted sun pipes and wind catchers, as well as generating hot water through heat from their refrigeration plant. Absolute genius! The retailer has even released statements that say it plans to be carbon neutral by 2012. Five years ago, I'm not sure I (or the rest of the world) would have any idea what that meant, but now I know it's a big deal. And retailers are a part of the change.

Speaking of carbon dioxide emissions, Office Depot reduced its emissions by 10 percent. Now, while that may not seem like a lot initially, imagine if every retailer did this. Even more impressive, Office Depot's total reach increased by 1.7 million sq. ft., yet it was still able to dramatically reduce its emissions. The company also employs an, "Environmental Strategy Advisor," who in a recent statement said that Office Depot's overall plan is becoming more and more about buying green, being green and selling green. And this is Office Depot we're talking about, not some natural foods retailer. How's that for progress?!

Retailers are not only making a difference in the environment, they're making a difference in the way we do business. It's all pretty inspiring. Makes me want to buy some of those carbon offset certificates...how about you? 

Are you a retailer employing eco-conscious tactics or do you know a retailer that's creating environmental change? If so, leave us a comment--we'd love to know about more rockin' retailers.

--Heather Strang

Photo: The Apple store on Chicago's Magnificent Mile features a green roof system from GreenGrid.

For the Green Man

While women across the country get ready to stampede stores in search of the hottest fall fashions, men also have something to look forward to--especially if they are concerned about the environment: green drawers. Drawers as in underwear that is, made of eco-friendly bamboo.

Now bamboo is not something you think of as being comfy or huggable or sexy, but Donna Karan, designer for DKNY, is launching an underwear collection for men that is made of 70 percent bamboo and 30 percent cotton. The waistbands of the briefs will have a green stripe woven in for identification, and the company claims that these male intimates are antibacterial, deodorizing, breathable and have moisture-wicking properties. The collection will be featured at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and DKNY stores and will range in price from $28 to $34 for undershirts and from $19.50 to $34 for bottoms.

Diva says, forget those dreadful Valentine’s Day and Holiday novelty undershorts with hearts and Santas, and buy your man bamboo briefs--so he can be green to the core.

--Diva

The Hottest Handbag

The hottest handbag of the season is not a Vuitton or a Gucci. It is not even a Liz Claiborne. But it is the hottest bag in town, and people are queuing up, braving the weather--heat and rain--to get one. It’s the “I’m NOT a Plastic Bag” bag, designed by British designer Anya Hindmarch. The bag, white canvas with blue lettering, is sold at Whole Foods for $15 in New York, with a limit of three to a customer. This is the “It” bag of the moment, and it does not make a statement about your status or your bank account; it makes a statement about your commitment to “green.” Crowds recently lined up outside the Houston Street Whole Foods in New York, as early as 7 a.m., in anticipation of buying these bags. [They have ended up on eBay, with asking prices of as much as $300.]  Diva got really excited and inspired to see this much support for the good green cause--until she heard that one customer left the store with the tote inside a [real] plastic bag. After all, it was raining, what’s a fashionista to do?

--Diva

Would You Pay For Your Plastic Bag?

Swedish home furnishings retailer IKEA will begin charging customers for plastic bags in the United Kingdom, as part of its goal to completely eliminate plastic bag use from all of its stores. To support the United Nation’s World Environment Day (Monday, June 5th), IKEA is working with the U.N. Environment Agency to reduce plastic bag consumption by 20 million during 2007 alone.

IKEA is going to stop offering free plastic carrier bags, and will instead charge shoppers (5 pence, thank you very much) for each biodegradable plastic bag they use. To further encourage use of reusable bags, IKEA will reduce the price of its iconic reusable “Big Blue Bag” to 25p (previously 50p).

Charlie Browne, environment manager at IKEA UK, said:

“The UK is addicted to plastic bags, and we are paying a high price for this in environmental terms. IKEA UK will reduce the cost of the famous reusable Big Blue Bag at the same time as starting to introduce a charge for carrier bags. This is because we want to discourage customers from one-off use of carrier bags, and help customers make an environmentally friendly choice. IKEA does not claim to have all the answers, and we are actively examining other environmentally sustainable initiatives. This move may prove controversial with some customers, but we really hope people will stick with us, and realize that we are doing this to try to help the environment."

Every year an estimated 17½ billion plastic bags are given away--equivalent to more than 290 bags for every person in the U.K., says IKEA, which intends to donate all money raised by the charging for plastic bags to Community Forests, an organization that creates high-quality environments for millions of people by revitalizing derelict land. The company's Edinburgh store has successfully piloted this project for the last two years, and has seen their consumption of bags drop by 90 percent from 3 million to 200,000. The store has also raised £10,000 for local charities by charging 5p per bag.

According to Sir John Harman, Chair of the Environment Agency, "If everyone in the U.K. stopped using plastic bags and switched to a reusable bag, we’d save enough plastic bags to tie around the earth 103 times.”

Just think if the rest of the world got involved.

--Alison Embrey Medina

Rev Your Green Engines

Buying a hybrid car isn't the only way to cut back on your gasoline consumption. Newer, more environmentally friendly fuel solutions such as E85 Ethanol Fuel and Biodiesel Fuel are making their way to the mainstream as more Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) hit the market. But as more people become aware of these fuel alternatives and look to gas up, one repeating question arises--where the heck do I buy it?

You're in luck. USA Energy Independence Publications has just released the first ever directory covering both E85 Ethanol Fuel and Biodiesel Fuel retail stations nationwide. Hooray! Designed to help the flex fuel vehicle and diesel-powered vehicle owners find local retail outlets for these fuels, the directory also features a buyers guide for 2007 and earlier model flex fuel vehicles.

The directory, which will be updated quarterly, covers more than 2,200 retail locations nationwide, listed by state and city. For the alternative fuels novice, also provided is background information on E85 Ethanol, BioDiesel and Hydrogen Fuel cells, and explains their benefits and use in layman's terms.       

Go get your copy, find your local dealer, and get out and drive--green!

--Alison Embrey Medina

Naughty or Nice?

Sometimes-naughty Victoria's Secret has turned nice...to the environment that is. According to a press release, Victoria's Secret's parent company Limited Brands has reached an agreement with ForestEthics, a nonprofit organization that seeks to protect endangered forests. But don't think this move to environmental stewardship was easy--it took some goading.

ForestEthics, which has been educating the catalog industry about its negative environmental impact on the Canadian Boreal for more than three years, launched a campaign against Limited Brands/Victoria's Secret two years ago called "Victoria's Dirty Secret," which featured more than 750 protests and events. Shortly after, they began discussions with Limited Brands and since then, Limited has increased its use of post consumer waste (PCW) recycled content, transitioning its clearance catalogs to sustainable paper with 80 percent PCW recycled content. Way to go Limited!

Now, Limited Brands announced a new forest protection policy, which according to a press release "is unprecedented in its scope, and includes several landmark environmental measures and ensures that the pulp for the company's catalog paper will not come from endangered forests." The new policy seeks to prohibit sourcing paper from Canada's Great Boreal Forest, which contains 25 percent of the intact, roadless forest remaining in the world.

Some of the new measures include: "a partnership with its primary paper supplier to eliminate all pulp supplied from the Boreal Forest and British Columbia; shifting its catalogs to either 10 percent PCW or at least 10 percent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) content during 2007; a preference for FSC certification, the only credible certification for sustainable logging; overall catalog paper reduction; a commitment to continual improvement on environmental attributes of catalog paper and paper use; progress will be audited by an independent third party and made public; a commitment to phase out of endangered forests; and $1 million committed to research and advocacy to protect endangered forests and ensure leadership in the catalog industry."

It's good to see major corporations taking a stand and adopting "green" practices more and more. Even if it does take a little pushing and shoving to make it happen. The important thing is that it's happening, and that makes all the difference.

--Jessie Bove