by Karen R. “True Reusable Bags” believes that reusable shopping bags should be made in the USA, help clean our environment, and contribute to our children’s future. Therefore, every bag is 100% truly recyclable and made in the USA from recycled materials that have been diverted away from local waste streams. As the first U.S. manufacturer to receive the Environmentally Preferred Rating (EPR), as an endorsed partner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and as a recycler, they support these claims with the most conscientious policies in the industry. With their manufacturing and distribution facility conveniently located in Los Angeles, CA, “True Reusable Bags” offers reusable bag solutions nationwide. With 170,000 square feet of building space supported by more than 200 employees, they are positioned to meet the growing demands of their clients. ”True Reusable Bags” sources its own recycled materials locally to manufacture them into reusable bags with the lowest environmental footprint. Every purchase and reuse of “True Reusable Bags” helps reduce plastic trash. Each bag diverts plastic trash [...]

By Karen R. “Green” was a big winner at the summer 2011 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF.)   Of some 200 participants in the “SustainAbility: design for a better world®” display, seven have been designated as achieving SustainAbility3 – the highest level of sustainability for their products, production processes and business practices. Launched in 2007, NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better world showcases global gift and home industry suppliers whose products or production processes are eco-friendly, as well as companies whose business practices are socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade oriented. A zero-tolerance policy was enacted in 2010 for any products with VOC; lead (for baby, children and food-related products); aniline dyes, formaldehyde and chlorine (for textiles); and PVC, without recommendation for use and disposal. NYIGF’s “Degrees of SustainAbility” initiative outlines industry-specific criteria for identification of green products and producers. A three-tiered ranking indicates the extent to which a product/producer/manufacturer complies with these standards.  Ilene Shaw of Shaw&Co!Productions curates the exhibit and designates each participants’ ranking.  She has devoted her 20-year [...]

The City of Boynton Beach, “The Gateway to the Gulf Stream,” is a coastal city located in a rapidly growing area of Palm Beach County. Major Nathan S. Boynton, a native of Michigan who distinguished himself in the Civil War, founded the city, which has a current population of over 65,000.  The city attracts a multitude of business and industry and people of all ages and interests. In February 2008, Boynton Beach adopted a resolution making the commitment to improve and sustain the environmental needs of the City. The City Commission recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship regarding energy, water, air, land, waste and sustainable construction. Other communities across the country have also established that environmentally sound practices will save money, energy and resources over time. Environmental improvement is a critical and timely issue that should foster cooperation between citizens, businesses, and government. The U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) recently approved the City’s amendment to its Energy Block Grant, which will enable the City to move forward with three new [...]