Like most Mac geeks, we were checking various feeds for news on the MacBook updates unveiled today. Always amazing looking, but nothing wild, we were surprised by the environmentally responsible tone lent to the product unveiling. The changes - glass and aluminum construction, LED-backlit display, PVC and BFR free, ENERGY STAR compliant, EPEAT Gold status - lead to a mostly recyclable, toxin-free machine. See the design specs here.
The Pepsi Bottling Group released it’s first ever CSR report this month, and the results of a packaging change are significant - reducing the amount of material in bottles saved 16,000 tons of plastic in 2007. They also highlight their energy and water conservation efforts, as well the benefits of a lighter trucking fleet. This comes on the heels of the Pepsi Eco Challenge launch we recently reported on. Whereas big brands were engaging the “power of design” as a renewed part of their DNA in 2007, it is clear that 2008 is about establishing sustainability.
When the Boston Children’s Museum reopened its doors on April 14th, 2007, after a $47 million expansion and renovation project, it was a clear step forward for sustainability in education. The museum has received LEED Gold certification by US Green Building Council and will undoubtedly serve as the standard bearer for other leading museums. In addition to a compelling list of temporary exhibits that highlight issues of sustainability and environmental stewardship, BCM has a number of permanent green projects and exhibits. The Recycle Shop is an area where kids and their parents can learn about (and buy) reusable items (fabrics, paper, plastics, string and other materials) to use in arts and crafts. The museum offers regular ‘Green Fairs,’ an on-going series of educational and creative sustainability events, with the most recent one focusing on teaching kids about ‘The 3 R’s’, recycling, reusing and reducing.
