EC Environmental Policy

An analysis published Feb. 26 in the journal Nature Climate Change shows that the wastewater produced during the processing of palm oil is a significant source of heat-trapping methane in the atmosphere. But the researchers also present a possible solution: capturing the methane and using it as a renewable energy source.

The environmental organization says the 60-foot banners on P&G's two towers were in protest of the consumer products company's use of palm oil from a supplier that Greenpeace says is linked to tropical forest destruction in Indonesia.

IKEA recently got a slap on the wrist from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which suspended IKEA's certification after discovering that the Swedish furniture giant's subsidiary, Swedwood, has been cutting 600-year-old trees in Karelia, Russia, near the border of Finland

Greenpeace has launched another massive campaign, this time demanding Procter & Gamble end its role in rainforest destruction through its careless sourcing of palm oil. A yearlong investigation into "P&G's Dirty Secret" shows the maker of dozens of everyday household and personal care products is sourcing palm oil from companies connected to substantial clearance of endangered orangutan habitat in Indonesia

Walmart sent a letter to its suppliers outlining its new sustainable chemistry policy, which seeks to curtail the use of substances that are hazardous to human health and the environment. The policy was developed over several years in consultation with the Environmental Defense Fund and other stakeholders.

From materiality to conflict minerals disclosure, here are the top trends in corporate reporting, plus tips on how to refine your approach.

Data from the International Food Policy Research Institute validates the role of new farming technologies in the face of climate change.

The paper industry is pushing back against the "paperless" workplace and trying to persuade corporate decision-makers that paper can be greener than you'd think. Sustainably produced paper doesn't harm the planet and is arguably better than technologies that produce electronic waste, industry reps say. "We have to be careful when we pin one product against the other and say it's better. It's a tricky thing to do if you don't have all the data to back it up," says Phil Riebel, president of industry group Two Sides U.S

Panera Bread has been using antibiotic-free meat for a decade, but unlike rival Chipotle, it's struggled to effectively communicate its green credentials to consumers. writes Andrew Marder. The company is introducing a communications strategy touting its produce, donations and community cafes for low-income families. "[T]here's a lot of value in the work that Panera is doing, and it just takes a few good ad campaigns to bring that value to bear on the bottom line," Marder writes.

There are strong signals pointing to the possibility of a thriving global economy - with health, dignity and happiness for all involved. The leading brands of tomorrow are seeing a wealth of opportunities in pursuing that possibility. They are reimagining their role in society, redesigning the ways they deliver value, and regenerating economic, environmental and social benefits as a result.

More businesses accept that they should account for water, fertile soil, forests, air and more. Far fewer are naming a price for these resources.

The El Nino weather pattern appears to be returning with the potential threat to global food production.

BASF has announced a goal of using only certified palm oil by 2015.

Researchers from the University of Hawai'i at M?noa are working with Maui based company Pacific Biodiesel to develop a way to make water from restaurant grease traps reusable.

Air Products has signed contracts with more than 20 recycled copper manufacturers in China to provide its oxy-fuel product that it says improves productivity and material qualities compared to conventional air-fuel technologies. It also decreases harmful emissions and reduces energy consumption and fuel costs.

Looking for ways to jump-start a sluggish fast food market in the US, more brands are tacking toward sustainability positioning and "clean" ingredients as the king of that approach, Chipotle, doubles down on its own efforts as profits continue to rise.

Harvest Power Inc. has opened a plant at Walt Disney World to convert food wastes from restaurants, supermarkets and others into electricity and fertilizer.

Greenpeace said that 16 out of the 27 products from Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Trussardi and Versace were found containing toxic substances, including nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). The highest concentration of NPEs was detected in a Louis Vuitton branded ballerina shoe.

At Milan Fashion Week, Greenpeace activists opened the show by unfurling an enormous banner calling for an end to the toxic luxury industry. 

British retail giant Primark joined the growing number of brands committing to eliminate all hazardous chemicals from its supply chain as part of Greenpeace's global Detox campaign.