Green, green, my world is green...now that spring is here. I think. Weatherman says snow flurries...this weekend? Well, flurries are no big deal.
Thought I'd do some "green" reporting today (until Mary tunes in with her post, today).
Sustainable Life Media sends me a weekly newsletter...that I like a lot. It gives me some insight into what's what with the green movement today. The April 8th issue has stories on the Marriott hotel outlining "a sweeping fivepoint plan to reduce the environmental impact of its global operations, headlined by a new $2 million carbon-offset deal to preserve endangered rainforests in Brazil." That's kewl...right? I'm skeptical but will keep my eye on it. No doubt Mary and Diane are more in the know than I. But, it's a fact of life that folks are curious about green and hotels...
Meanwhile, an email from an unidentified (they identified themselves, but I'm not passing on their info here...) resource announced a new "green" magazine...printed on recycled paper, so they say. Positively Green looks good but...being green isn't about 'looking' good. It's about being good.
Please explain to me why I need a PRINT magazine at all? And, why it needs to be 112 pages? The preview is too high fashion-y for my tastes. The articles may talk green, but the magazine screams NY Runway. I predict failure.
This article on Macy's going green, over at Mediapost's Marketing Daily, has me scratching my head. Here's their explanation, "Called 'Turn Over a New Leaf,' kicking off April 20 and running through April 27, the campaign is 'designed to support, educate and inspire sustainability and eco-friendly practices in everyday life,' says the retailer."
Ok, that's nice. The article tells us that a survey by BBMG revealed "nine out of 10 people think of themselves as 'concious consumers.' " I am assuming that means "green" consumers. I like what I'm reading, but...I don't see anything on this on TV. Not that it isn't on TV. I'm just saying if it is... I haven't seen it. And, I see Macy's commercials everywhere.
So, where is this being promoted? The story says it's online, in print, on the radio and on TV. Hmmm... in fact, it says online the company has a promotion going...two sweepstakes with prizes "including a hybrid SUV as well as trips to the Florida Everglades and other national parks."
Hello...where is the link? Here's another story about it, at Promo Magazine, but...where's the promo link???
The Macy's thing is in a flyer they sent out recently; I got one this week with all kinds of info on "green brands" they sell and the fact that they're jumping on the "reusable tote bag" bandwagon. It was a lot of (forgive the pun) recycled hype really. It would be a lot nicer if Macy's would carry more American brands; that would do a lot more for the environment than tote bags.
Posted by: Kate Hutchinson | April 21, 2008 at 01:01 PM
There is so much going on in the Green Movement right now it's hard for businesses to get things straight and determine their stance versus a blatant marketing ploy. Our company formed a "green committee" and we reviewed all of our options for the company. We decided to get certified by our local government agency and joined CarbonRally.com to track our employee's personal contributions. It's a great way to get everyone in the company motivated and show your clients that you are really taking the movement seriously.
Posted by: Erin | April 15, 2008 at 03:24 PM
KoAnn, thanks for sharing the Sustainable Brands newsletter channel. I was referencing the link I found in my newsletter... but yours is even better!
Keep that good content coming!
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | April 13, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Hi Yvonne, Love your site! I'm surprised you're referencing our Climate Newsletter instead of our Sustainable Brands newsletter/channel. You'll probably find even more helpful information there for you and your readers! Have a look, and thanks for your resource!
KoAnn Skrzyniarz
Posted by: KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz | April 12, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Hi Yvonne, Love your site! I'm surprised you're referencing our Climate Newsletter instead of our Sustainable Brands newsletter/channel. You'll probably find even more helpful information there for you and your readers! Have a look, and thanks for your resource!
KoAnn Skrzyniarz
Posted by: KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz | April 12, 2008 at 01:12 PM