Tag Archives: Sustainable

Mosquito Net distribution in Africa

Posted on August 21, 2011 by aviyer2010

A New York Times review of a book “Lifeblood” by Alex Perry describes the role of Ray Chambers, an industry CEO, in coordinating the distribution of mosquito nets, 300 million to date, in Africa. It describes how disorganized efforts and … Continue reading →

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Triclosan antibacterial worries and supply chain impact

Posted on August 21, 2011 by aviyer2010

A New York Times artcile (August 20, 2011) describes an FDA investigation of triclosan – an antibacterial ingredient used in hand soaps, toothpaste and kitchen cutting boards. The FDA and EPA are investigating whether the chemical is safe – now … Continue reading →

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Greenpeace’s Dirty Laundry report and Puma’s Commitment

Posted on August 18, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Greenpeace report ‘Dirty Laundry” (http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/publications/reports/Dirty-Laundry/) describes results from water samples from the Yangtze and the Pearl river deltas. Their analysis suggests significant levels of chemical contamination that are potentially hazardous and can impact fish populations too.  The report urges … Continue reading →

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‘Green deliveries” by Office Depot

Posted on August 8, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in Sustainable Life Media (http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/news_and_views/articles/office-depot-rolls-out-greener-deliveries?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=brandsweekly&utm_campaign=august8) describes Office Depot’s delivery option to customers – receive supplies in paper bags with over 40 % recycled content – transported in plastic reusable totes with 60 % recycled plastic.  The goal is … Continue reading →

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“Better Place” battery swapping stations in Denmark and the future of EVs

Posted on August 2, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (July 29, 2011) describes recently opened battery swapping stations by “Better Place” in Denmark. Oweners of electric vehicles lease batteries and drive into swap stations to replece batteries. A robot operated device removes … Continue reading →

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Walmart’s plans to buy vegetables and fruits locally

Posted on August 1, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Wall Street Journal article (August 1, 2011) describes plans by Walmart to double its local purchase of fruits and vegetables by 2015 – with local defined as purchases from the state the store is located.   Thus Walmart buys jalapeno pepper … Continue reading →

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54.5 mpg by 2025

Posted on July 29, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Wall Street Journal (28 July 2011) describes an agreement between the auto manufacturers and the US government to double the average mileage from 27.3 mpg to 54.5 mpg. Attaining this mileage can involve use of solar panels, battery power, … Continue reading →

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Dropping rare earth prices in China and supply chain impact

Posted on July 27, 2011 by aviyer2010

The Wall Street Journal (July 6, 2011) reports that rare earth metal prices in China dropped by as much as 7.2 %, a remarkable change from a short few months when China’s cut in exports created worries of global shortages … Continue reading →

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China’s electricity rates and global supply chain impact

Posted on May 26, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the International Herald Tribune (25 May 2011) describes the fact that China’s central government has forced lower electricity prices to maintain export competitiveness. But utilities have responded with lower production, thus increasing production costs for factories. A … Continue reading →

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Power cuts in China and manufacturing impact

Posted on May 19, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Wall Street Journal article (18 May 2011) describes electricity rationing in Taizhou, China, which required some factories to halt production one day a week in March, two days a week in April and three days a week in May. … Continue reading →

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