The environment in mind - HP’s new eco-label

HP just launched a info tool called the HP Eco Highlights label, intended to “help customers understand the environmental attributes of a specific product, tool or service”. The label will be posted on the web, on packaging and in data sheets.

Sounds like an eco-label to us. Lets take a look:

It’s got three sections:

1. Summary of environmental attributes., eg energy efficiency, designed for recyclability, etc
2. Other labels the product has been awarded, e.g. energy star

3. Info on how and where you can recycle the product

What’s cool: with the online version you can click on the label to link through to more info on environmental attributes and other products with similar attributes.

Less cool: When you click through it gets abit confusing as to how all the labels and information fits together….

But we like that they are erring on the side of more is more with cascading levels of information. Looking forward to hearing from consumers if they like and/or use the label!

No Comments » | Tags: eco-highlights, eco-label, environmental attributes, HP, IT
Posted by Anastasia on Thursday, May 29th, 2008 | Permalink |

Eco-Televisions En Route
break out the x-box...

According to the DailyGreen.com the LCD TV Association is planning a label for eco-friendly televisions. No information on their website but worth keeping an eye out for. Once the label launches we’ll post it here.

According to the press release as a first step the association plans to advocate ambient light sensors in televisions that automatically adjust the brightness of the TV and can improve energy efficiency as much as 30%.

1 Comment » | Tags: electronics
Posted by Jacob on Monday, May 5th, 2008 | Permalink |

The Go Green Decision Tree
It's not as hard as you think.

Here’s how you can easily make the best green choices in the shopping aisles of almost every retailer. It’s simple, straightforward, and you know you’ve made your best effort to go green:

BEST CHOICE = Look for an independent “green” or “eco” label

Example:
A. Ecologo Green Paper Towel = BEST CHOICE
B. Loblaw’s Green Paper Towel = BETTER CHOICE

Note: Not sure about label? Investigate at ecolabelling.org

OK CHOICE = Green or eco words used on product

Example: “natural, earth friendly, organic, green, eco-friendly, climate friendly”
Risks: A good list of greenwashing examples from the LA Times.

EVERY BIT HELPS CHOICE = Recycled packaging

Be aware that the product inside won’t be green, but if there aren’t any better options then go for it, every little bit helps!

4 Comments » | Tags:
Posted by Jacob on Monday, May 5th, 2008 | Permalink |

Greenwash Kung Fu Tips
Seventh Generation's sensai gives a lesson.

Here’s a great blog post by Jeff Hollender of Seventh Generation giving some tips on how to avoid greenwashing.

Our favourite tips:

1. Product or Packaging? That’s a big one for us. Should be easy to check.

2. Fluff words? Watch out for “natural” or “earth friendly” claims. The “100% Beef” of the eco-world. 

3. Can you check it? Is there an ecolabel like the ones found in this database. Is that ecolabel not owned by the same company making the product.

No Comments » | Tags:
Posted by Jacob on Friday, May 2nd, 2008 | Permalink |