WHY BUY RECYCLED PLASTIC PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
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Why Buy Recycled Plastic Products For Your Business?

- by Donna Collazo
WHY BUY RECYCLED PLASTIC PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Many businesses these days are interested in sustainable procurement. Sustainable procurement is about taking environmental and social factors into account when making purchasing decisions. It involves thinking about what the products are made of, how they were made, where they come from and who has made them.

The aim of sustainable procurement is to lessen the negative environmental impact of the products we buy.

One way businesses can show their commitment to sustainable procurement is by buying goods made from plastic that has been recycled (when they need the goods anyway). You may be surprised at the range of recycled goods from plastic that are available on the market these days and the environmental and economic benefits they can bring.

Attitudes

With organisations under increasing pressure to affirm their commitment to the efficient use of natural resources and waste avoidance, attitudes to purchasing products made from recovered materials are changing.

A recent business survey by a product manufacturer into sustainable procurement revealed some interesting insights. Almost 90% of those surveyed were managing procurement to some level of sustainable policy or standard, and over 50% admitted recycled plastic played a key role.

Although over 80% considered the market for products from …

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DO YOUR PART FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY HANDING OUT RECYCLED PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
Healthy Grocery Stores

Do Your Part For the Environment by Handing Out Recycled Promotional Items

- by Donna Collazo
DO YOUR PART FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY HANDING OUT RECYCLED PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

Recycling is no new concept, but it is one of the best ways to begin working toward a better environment. Some advantages of recycling are a smaller demand for raw materials and reduction of processes used to obtain these materials which are detrimental to the environment and everyone’s health. Results of recycling are fewer emissions, harmful chemicals, and less land fill waste. It is very beneficial these days for businesses to show they care about our natural resources and respect the environment. Many businesses do this every day by not only maintaining recycling programs within the company, but also by buying recycled products. Recycled products can be used by businesses to promote a positive company image and reach out to their customers on a more personal level.

You may be asking what types of recycled products would be helpful to your company. You should have no problem finding items that relate to the product or services your company provides to customers. There are a variety of recycled products out there and most are low in cost. Promotional recycled products are growing in popularity among businesses today as a way of showing customers that they care and want to protect natural …

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HOW TO AVOID BEING GREENWASHED
Agent Smart Shop

How to Avoid Being Greenwashed

- by Donna Collazo
HOW TO AVOID BEING GREENWASHED

Going green is more than just a fad. This has become a way of life for many people, and they are taking steps to reduce energy consumption, save fresh water, and recycle paper, plastic, and glass items. The focus on green living does not escape the attention of companies, both large and small. Businesses of all types are looking for ways to promote their products and services as “green” and “environmentally friendly.”

Some of these designations have substance behind it. For example, equipment and products such as light bulbs that get EnergyStar designation meet energy efficiency standards validated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Replacing an older refrigerator, freezer or washing machine with a newer EnergyStar is a smart move, saving you significant electricity over the life of the appliance.

Claims of other environmentally friendly products are less reliable and their value is more difficult to assess. Some of these green claims may actually be questionable validity. How do you rate cleaning products by marking “green” or “nature-friendly”? Many of these products only have green packaging. What about food products that are claimed to be natural? Taste is a good example of how consumers can be misled by claims of …

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GOING GREEN AND NICHING - HOW PRODUCT MANAGERS SURVIVE DECLINE
Grocery Shopping Tips

Going Green and Niching – How Product Managers Survive Decline

- by Donna Collazo
GOING GREEN AND NICHING - HOW PRODUCT MANAGERS SURVIVE DECLINE

The economic downturn doesn’t last forever, but the boy-oh-boy was hurt when they happened! I am not sure about your product, but my customers who have consulted with me are all trying to find ways to make their products easier for their customers to buy. Are you interested in a few tips on how to do this?

Green Power

We all know that all other things being equal, most customers will choose products that are environmentally friendly (“green products”) than others. Product managers are currently looking for ways to make their products greener to increase sales during difficult economic times.

I believe this all seems very basic to you; However, the real trick for a product manager is exactly HOW you do this. It turns out that there are three things you need to do for your product:

Offer a Broader Range of Green Services: If you suddenly appear and offer one product that you call green, your potential customers might not believe that you are sincere. However, if you add green services to several products simultaneously, then your entire product line will start to look green & feel.

Sharpen Your Message: This is a job that is perfect for …

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GARAGE SALE HUNTING GUIDE - HOW TO BE AN EXPERT YARD SALE HUNTER
Smart Online Payment

Garage Sale Hunting Guide – How to Be an Expert Yard Sale Hunter

- by Donna Collazo
GARAGE SALE HUNTING GUIDE - HOW TO BE AN EXPERT YARD SALE HUNTER

A few months ago I found a garage sale near my home advertised through Craigslist. The sale was comprised of a few older families that lived in a condominium complex. Since it was a Friday and they were still putting things out I knew I was in a good position to make some good finds.

Unfortunately, within a few minutes of looking around I had decided it was a bust- nothing there that I was interested in- and I decided to leave. Just as I was leaving the sale a couple dusty bottles caught my attention in a dark corner of the garage. I went over to the shelf in the garage and examined a small paper sign that said “Alcohol $2.00″.

My hand reached out for the familiar bottle and firmly grasped it, I studied the label, and quickly fished out 2 $1.00 bills from my wallet, wondering if this was a joke or what. Having worked at a 5 star French restaurant in my college years I knew what I had in my hands was authentic, but I still couldn’t understand why these people were practically giving it away.

I quickly found the woman and quickly gave her …

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