Documents eco-products 15 results

"Our report describes a variety of different schemes from Europe and elsewhere in the world. The 20 cases cover not only OSH management, but also areas such as product design, purchasing practices and the use of contractors. We hope that the report will be useful to those seeking to set up such schemes or develop existing schemes further. We also hope that it will promote awareness of existing schemes and encourage organisations to participate in them."

"Paper or plastic? Neither, say William McDonough and Michael Braungart. Why settle for the least harmful alternative when we could have something that is better--say, edible grocery bags! In Cradle to Cradle, the authors present a manifesto calling for a new industrial revolution, one that would render both traditional manufacturing and traditional environmentalism obsolete. Recycling, for instance, is actually "downcycling," creating hybrids of biological and technical "nutrients" which are then unrecoverable and unusable. The authors, an architect and a chemist, want to eliminate the concept of waste altogether, while preserving commerce and allowing for human nature. They offer several compelling examples of corporations that are not just doing less harm--they're actually doing some good for the environment and their neighborhoods, and making more money in the process. Cradle to Cradle is a refreshing change from the intractable environmental conflicts that dominate headlines. It's a handbook for 21st-century innovation and should be required reading for business hotshots and environmental activists."

"Materials Matter presents convincing evidence that we can use fewer materials and eliminate the use of many toxic chemicals by focusing directly on material (chemical) use when products are designed. It also shows how manufacturers can save money by increasing the effectiveness of material use and reducing the use of toxic chemicals. It advocates new directions for the material sciences and government policies on materials. And it argues that manufacturers, suppliers, and customers need to set more socially responsible policies for products and services to achieve higher environmental and health goals. "

"Despite their reputation for linking progress and security to dirty smokestacks, many trade unions around the world have designed and fought for sophisticated environmental policies--many of which promote a radical restructuring of production in order to prevent environmental harm. This article surveys trade union perspectives on cleaner production and offers examples of trade union action for cleaner production in the United States and around the world. Two general conceptual frameworks arising out of union writing on the subject--the "Transition Position" and the European-based "Harmony of Interests"--are elaborated. The article concludes with recommendations for employee participation in pollution prevention activities and ideas for a trade union agenda on cleaner production. "

"La crise économique et financière est en train de se transformer en récession touchant progressivement tous les secteurs. Les éco-industries sont, elles aussi, victimes du marasme économique. Toutefois, la situation semble assez inégale selon le type d'activité. Les éco-industries liées étroitement à l'immobilier, comme le secteur des sites et sols pollués, ou à la production industrielle et à la consommation, comme les activités du déchet et du recyclage, sont davantage pénalisées. D'autres secteurs, comme celui de la distribution d'eau, correspondant à des marchés arrivés à maturité, ou les énergies renouvelables qui bénéficient d'aides importantes, ont toujours le vent en poupe. Cependant, la crise peut avoir un effet négatif sur les budgets de recherche et développement des entreprises. Compte tenu du coût élevé des éco-technologies, un repli sur les techniques de base est à redouter. Si ces inquiétudes semblent justifiées, le Grenelle de l'environnement et sa mise en application rapide pourraient néanmoins fournir les moyens d'une sortie de crise."

"The study begins by outlining the current developments within ISO and describing what an EPD is before moving on to examine various EPD and EPD-like schemes. It then compares these schemes with each other and with the current draft of ISO 14025 TR before considering how best such schemes could be integrated with other IPP tools. Finally, the report examines possible future directions within Europe and makes recommendations for the future development of this instrument. ...."