Design & Packaging

In this section we explore the ways that designers are just beginning to integrate environmental considerations, harnessing such approaches as biomimicry (designs inspired by nature), cradle-to-cradle (closed-loop production systems involving benign materials), green chemistry (less- or non-toxic alternatives to petrochemicals), and local sourcing (to reduce transport energy use and emission).

News

Beyond the Black Cloud: Looking at Lifecycles
By Dave Douglas, November 05, 2009
Looking at the full impact of any type of product or device -- rather than, say, the cloud of exhaust in front of you on the highway -- opens the door to a whole new understanding of how design...
Using Sustainability Labels to Drive Performance
By Melissa Schweisguth, October 28, 2009
It seems like a new sustainability certification or standard is announced weekly. As these increase, along with corresponding logos and taglines, so too have questions about their validity and...
Nike: From Considered Design to Closing the Loop
By Tilde Herrera, October 19, 2009
Nike's corporate responsibility agenda has evolved from one based on risk and reputation management to being a source of innovation, a change that has yielded not only new products, but a shift in...
Ray Anderson: Radical Industrialist
By Marc Gunther, October 05, 2009
The founder of Interface shows how being a tree-hugging environmentalist and the head of a thriving, $1-billion a year carpet company don't need to be mutually exclusive ...
How to Design for a Post-Consumption Economy GreenerDesign.com
By Eric Wilmot, September 30, 2009
It's clear our consumption-centered lifestyle has challenged our planet's ability to support us. Our economy doesn't need to be focused solely on spurring consumption. Here's a guide on how to...
Manufacturers Step Up to 'Zero-Impact' Boot Challenge GreenerDesign.com
By Jonathan Bardelline, September 28, 2009
In the latest challenge posed by the editors of Backpacker Magazine to equipment manufacturers, five companies are bringing all their innovations to bear to make hiking boots that tread gently on...

Thinking Outside the Box on Packaging Design
By Dave Douglas, November 10, 2009
Although many people think of packaging -- especially wasteful packaging -- as an afterthought, as more and more environmental regulations begin to address packaging's impacts, manufacturers are starting to design their packages with more care than...

Newswire

Editor's Choice

The New Normal and the Need for 'Radical Evolution'

Joel Makower, May 18, 2009

GreenBiz.com launches our second annual Greener By Design conference today. The focus this year is on how companies are transitioning to greener product design amid rapidly changing, but still...

HealthyStuff.org Reveals Chemicals in Pet Toys, School Supplies, Purses

GreenerDesign.com

Jonathan Bardelline, September 16, 2009

The newly-launched HealthyStuff.org lists what chemicals like lead, mercury and PVC are found in more than 900 products, including children's school supplies, purses, car seats, automobiles and...

Energy & Climate

Design & Packaging

Wells Fargo Expands Green Financing with Cleantech Practice
By GreenBiz Staff, November 20, 2009
The banking giant's new commercial banking group focused on clean technology firms will add to the $600 million the company has already dedicated to the market. ...
AU Optronics Helps Create a Frisbee-Shaped Solar Roof at Taipei Playground GreenerBuildings.com
Post Office's First Sustainability Report Charts Agency's Green Path
Nike, Unilever, HP Top Latest Climate Counts Scorecard
U.S. Climate Bill Could Boost Economy by $111B, Study Says ClimateBiz.com
Autodesk Draws Up a New Way to Set Carbon Footprint Goals ClimateBiz.com

In a Rare NGO Merger, GreenBlue and Metafore Join Strengths
By GreenBiz Staff, November 20, 2009
GreenBlue, which focuses on facilitating sustainable product design and materials sourcing, has acquired Metafore, a nonprofit that specializes in sustainable paper purchasing, are joining forces...
50 Companies Add U.K.-Specific Recycling Label to Packaging GreenerDesign.com
Dell Protects Laptops With Bamboo Packaging GreenerDesign.com
Green Seal's New Business Certification Aims to Catalyze the Green Marketplace
Vetrazzo Gets a Green Audit to Back Its Product Claims GreenerBuildings.com
Nike Debuts Latest Collection of 'Considered Design' Products

Professional Services Directory

Find great professional service providers who specialize in green business. GreenBiz.com's Professional Services Directory lists great resources in sustainability strategies, energy efficiency, marketing, supply chain, recruiting and HR, and many more.

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Featured Resources

Greening Existing Buildings
This concise and fact-filled guide, the latest book by Jerry Yudelson, provides a roadmap...
Clean Energy and Climate Policy for U.S. Growth and Job Creation
This study finds that a robust climate bill could boost the U.S. economy by about $111...
The USGBC's 2009 Green Jobs Report
This study, conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council and Booz Allen Hamilton,...
BD+C's Green Buildings and Water Performance Report
This report is seventh in an annual series looking at impacts in the green buildings...
The Green Building Market and Impact Report 2009
This second annual report, by Rob Watson and the GreenBiz.com editorial team, explores...
Citizen Engineer: A Handbook for Socially Responsible Engineering
Citizen Engineer is a fusion of ideas, information, advice, and opinions to provide you...

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Recent Podcast

The View from the Climate Crossroads
By Joel Makower, October 26, 2009
GreenBiz.com Executive Editor Joel Makower speaks with Cara Pike about her new research report, how not to describe global warming, and how to get people to really care about the climate. ...
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IBM: Sponsored Content

Get the latest insights from IBM on best practices in sustainable enterprises, and a framework for crafting energy and environmental policies. Find out more here.

Autodesk: Sponsored Content

A Corporate Finance Approach to Climate-Stabilizing Targets
Learn Autodesk’s method for that align with global climate stabilization goals—and how you can adopt it.

Walmart Sustainability Index

Get the story behind the Walmart Sustainability Index and what it means to your business. Read news stories and insights from Joel Makower, Marc Gunther, and the GreenBiz editors.

Green Confidence Index™

A monthly metric on responsibility, information, and purchasing in the green economy. The Green Confidence Index is the first ongoing consumer study of its kind. Learn More.

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