Contrary to Popular Opinion, Green Packaging Doesn't Have to Cost More

This was my third consecutive year at this show and in terms of packaging sustainability I would have to admit that the Housewares industry has been a little slow to jump on the green bandwagon. I even wrote an article about it for Sustainable Is Good in 2008 that commented on the very mixed reaction the Housewares industry had to sustainability.

I am very pleased to report that two years later they “get it”. I was thrilled to see countless booths showing eco friendly and green products and for the most part, much of the packaging was “eco-consistent” with the products they are making and marketing. I was truly pleased to see how much progress was made in a short two year period.

Back to the greatest myth

However, there is one area where many of the people still lag behind and that is in the realization that green packaging does not necessarily have to cost more.

In numerous conversations I had with people who appeared to have a sincere interest in making their packaging more eco friendly, they commented on the “high cost of green packaging”. In fact many of the inaccurate perceptions and outdated perceptions I have dealt with in the past are alive and kicking in this segment of the market. They include -

• You can’t find green packaging products
• The minimums are too high
• The quality isn’t there yet
• And of course, the greatest myth of all – green packaging costs too much

Forward to the sustainable packaging truth

We have spent the last three years of our lives exposing and destroying these myths by making eco friendly packaging products available and affordable. The minimums are truly minimal and we guarantee our quality to be second to none.

The best moment of the show for me was meeting a lady from Ohio who was eager to speak with me after my brief (non-commercial) presentation on what else – sustainable packaging. She told me she had spent countless hours searching for a supplier like us and getting to know us “made the trip to the show and Chicago worthwhile”. She also promised to check out our website and contact us soon after the show.

She placed her first order with us today, just three days after we met at the Housewares Show. She definitely “gets it” and is as committed to green as anyone I have ever met.

I guess a lot can change in a couple of years, huh?
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Green Shipping Boxes
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Print One Message Outside, and One Message Inside!

Intra Company Shipments and Labels

The more we speak with people about their intra company shipping, the more we realize the importance of distinct and obvious labeling. When a product ships from one facility to another, it frequently requires identification or designation as having changed because it was machined, finished, tested or simply transferred. That is usually accomplished with an oversized label.

The world of adhesive labels is a mile wide with a wide variety of stock and adhesives, but it is not uncommon for a 8” wide X 6” high label to cost $.20 to $.30 depending on type and of course quantity. That price can rise significantly if the label is custom printed with artwork or colors. It is also not unusual for even larger and more expensive labels than 8” X 6” to be used on oversized boxes because most often the label is being used to cover up previous labels and old/outdated information.

Revealing the “Inner Box”

At minimal additional cost, a Globe Guard Reusable Box can be custom printed on the inside as well as the outside. Ship-to, product code, status and other variable, changed information can be clearly and consistently communicated. It can be spot printed or even flood printed in a completely different color to make it stand out in an inventory or sorting scenario.

Bar code, product information or even ship-to address information are able to be printed on the inside surface of the box so it is visible after the box is inverted. This not only replaces the cost of the labels as well as the associated procurement, stocking and labor costs of applying them.

Reusable Boxes - Ideal Replacement for Labels

Green Shipping Boxes
Eco Friendly Packaging Materials
Special Deals on Eco Friendly Shipping Supplies

How Green Are These Reusable Shopping Bags?

The Ready to Reuse Shopping Bag

At first glance it looked like a great idea. A reusable shopping bag that thanks to a unique design and a well placed snap, neatly folds up into a compact little package. I am sure we all mostly agree the use of reusable shopping bags is probably a good idea so anything that will make them easier to carry and use can only be a plus. Add some green graphics, some cool green buzz words and voila, you have a … plastic bag.

“The Devil Is in the Details”

Was one of my grandfather’s favorite sayings and an eternal, indisputable truth. No matter what the subject or when it is being said, the small unobvious details are often where the truth or lack of it can be found.

A close look at the small tag, I found deep inside of the bag told me so much more than the colorful bag or the outer tag so prominently displayed. The bag is 100% polypropylene, which of course is nothing more than plastic. This particular bag, like most that are used to help “save the earth”, is imported from China. I think most of our readers know how I feel about importing products like this from the other side of the world, especially when over 10% of our own population is unemployed.

Putting that carbon footprint and exporting jobs issues aside, here are some other things that are likely to go unnoticed by the average reusable bag buyer.

• There is no indication of recycled content. That is not good.
• There are no instructions for the ultimate disposal of the bag. It will eventually have to be discarded, but how?
• The tag clearly indicates it is not for use with food but can’t we assume people shop for groceries more often than they do for sox and underwear? Shouldn’t that important information be somewhere where people are more likely to see it?
• Since it is likely to be used for grocery shopping, wouldn’t it be great if it was washable? Google “reusable bag germs” and get ready to be shocked.

Am I Anti Reusable Bag?

Not at all, but as a lifelong packaging person with a deep interest and commitment to preserving the environment, here are a few things I suggest you keep in mind if you decide to buy and use reusable shopping bags.

1. Make sure the bag is made of natural fibers. Don’t replace multiple, easily recycled plastic bags with one that can only wind up in a land fill.
2. Ideally a bag should have some amount of recycled content.
3. Make sure you know where and how you will eventually dispose of it.
4. If possible, TRY to find something that is made in America.

The Myth and Truth about Lemmings

The rodents of that name do not follow each other into a suicidal Arctic plunge as is the popular belief. However, well meaning retailers have indeed been known to follow each other all the way to China in search of a low cost product that will appeal to their increasingly eco minded customers.

Let’s face it, this is not all that technical and it is not like buying high tech electronic equipment. All it takes is a few good questions and any retailer can do green and do it right.
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Green Shipping Boxes
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See our revolutionary, patent pending Globe Guard® Reusable Shipping Box!

ISP readers know I enjoy a good green story and Nick and Kimber Christensen and their company, Little Sapling Toys, is one of the best. Little Sapling Toys has been the subject of articles in numerous publications and blogs including Treehugger, Daily Candy, Etsy’s Storque and Grass Roots Modern. A brief conversation with Nicholas made me realize they would be a great interview for our blog.

DS: Please give us a little background on your family and your company.

KC: Nick and I met in the Army, traveled the country remodeling hotel bathrooms, moved to liberal Humboldt County, had little saplings of our own, started Little Sapling Toys and finally moved to friendly Boise to put down roots and develop our business.

Nick made me a few pieces of furniture that used the natural contrast of beautiful, quality wood while working as a cabinetmaker. When Little Sapling Toys was conceived, we never considered using paints, stains or dyes to cover up something so naturally striking. Now, using Maple, Cherry and Walnut together with our own beeswax and organic jojoba oil finish is our way to reconcile modern and natural beauty.

We try and live a conscientious lifestyle and that naturally translates into our business as well. As Little Sapling Toys has grown, so have our opportunities to make eco-friendly choices.

DS: I was especially impressed and intrigued by your commitment to plant a tree for every toy you sell. How does that work?

NC: We are member partners of Trees for the Future. It’s an extremely inspiring organization that is helping communities throughout the world help themselves. We participate by making a commitment to help fund their tree planting efforts around the globe.

DS: Most eco minded people love wooden toys but how did you decide to start making teething products out of wood?

KC: We saw the demand for basic wooden grasp and teething shapes and recognized that we could bring a whole new level of design to the chubby little hands of children.

DS: Please answer any safety concerns about slivers, how the wood is sealed, etc.

NC: In addition to being compliant to ATSM standards, we use only hardwoods that are tight grained and not prone to slivering in the first place. For instance, our Maple is used for butcher blocks and bowling alley floors. Our teething shapes are left without a finish and our other toys have our own blend of local beeswax and organic jojoba oil. All of the edges of our toys are carefully rounded over and sanded satin smooth. I think that we have become so used to plastics in our lives that it is easy to forget what an amazingly durable and beautiful material wood really is.

DS: You are undoubtedly best known for your teething products but what are some of your other top sellers?

KC: Our Three Tree Blocks and our Maple Skittle Bowling sets are clear favorites.

DS: Equally unique to your product line is the primary way you go to market. Please tell our readers what Etsy is how it has helped you to grow.

KC: Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade and vintage items. At this time, we sell Little Sapling Toys primarily through the shop that we set up on Etsy. Most of our customers, retailers and press have found us through Etsy, so we really thank them for helping our toys reach a worldwide market!

DS: I believe you also sell through retailers. Where can our readers find your product other than your Etsy web store?

KC: We are in about sixty shops, both physical and online retail locations. Many are small, eco-friendly family companies like ours.

DS: With success and growth come unexpected challenges. What issues have you had to deal with so far that you did not expect?

KC: Our business is like a child; an enchanted pregnancy about what parenthood will be like, a painful labor and delivery and constant challenges and rewards every day since. We didn’t expect to be so involved, quite so busy or as fulfilled.

DS: Nick and Kimber, thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to get to know you and your company better. I encourage all of our readers to see the incredibly unique products you offer for the little ones in their lives.

Our New Reusable Shipping Box

Fulfillment to Correct Mistakes and Problems

Unfortunately one of the types of service required at times is what can only be referred to as “damage control”. Basically, something went wrong and someone has to fix it.

Manufacturers and marketing companies are not in the business of correcting problems so more often than not, those duties are out sourced to a fulfillment company. The problem becomes a little more severe when it is an eco friendly company that is in that position because after all, fixing a mistake typically leaves an even bigger carbon footprint behind. Add the fact that usually the high cost of recalls and similar problems are not budgeted for, and the fulfillment service company has to respond quickly, efficiently, economically and in an environmentally responsible way.

The Advantage of a Two Way, Reusable Box

Today product replacement is not enough. When there is a problem, let’s say a product recall or replacement, companies have to do product exchanges, in part to confirm the new product has been delivered but also to get the incorrect or faulty product off the street and back in their own hands. This may be for legal or PR reasons or possibly for testing, reclaim, and recovery or even to be able to file a claim against a vendor or other company involved in the problem. A box that is 100% recycled content and has the ability to make two trips can be an invaluable asset to help rectify the problem.

The Globe Guard Reusable Box Can Be a Chameleon

With our ability to print the patent-pending, Globe Guard® Reusable Box inside and out, we can easily provide a different look to help customers determine if the contents are the product being replaced or the replacement itself. Imagine printing it red on the inside so that after it is inverted and returned, it can easily be identified and processed. This is especially important if the unhappy customer is anticipating a credit or other compensation.

There are no limitations to what can be printed on the inside, so a ship to address, return code, routing number, customer account or part number, and even a bar code can be easily accommodated.

The Globe Guard Reusable Box is a unique product to help solve unique problems for companies like fulfillment service operations. Tell us about your unusual challenge and we will help you implement a solution that has a low cost for you and the environment.
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Visit the Globe Guard ® Green Packaging Store for -

Green Shipping Boxes
Eco Friendly Packaging Materials
Special Deals on Eco Friendly Shipping Supplies

See our revolutionary, patent pending Globe Guard® Reusable Shipping Box!

Celebrate Our One Year Anniversary with 20 Percent Off All Items!

Almost one year ago, on March 18, 2009 we launched our new web site as the first green packaging store on the internet. With no existing customer base to rely on, we were convinced if we offered good quality eco friendly packaging products at a competitive price, most people would do the right thing for the environment. Gratefully, you have.

So for the entire month of March, with a $50 minimum order, any customer using promo code ONEYEAR will receive a 20% discount on all stock products on our e-commerce site. It is our way of saying thank you to the customers who have helped to make our dream, a reality.

How the Globe Guard Green Packaging Product Line Has Grown

What began as eight RSC shipping box sizes has developed into thirty-five sizes that include a wide assortment of cube boxes, long boxes and low profile boxes. Most of these additions were suggested by you, the customers who eagerly sought environmentally responsible packaging products.

In addition we are growing our list of corrugated specialty and die cut sizes to include book fold boxes, tuck mailers and front lock mailers. We create custom inserts, dividers and partitions for our stock product and can easily design a custom shipping box for the most unique and challenging applications.

Leaders in Eco Friendly Void Fill Products

We may have the widest variety of green inner packaging solutions on the internet to protect products during shipment. Our options include -

• Globe Guard Oxo-Biodegradable bubble packaging
• Globe Guard packaging papers in many grades and widths
• Globe Guard Eco Nest – a shredded corrugated loose fill product
• Globe Guard Eco Flex – an incredibly versatile molded pulp product
• Globe Guard inflatable air pillows

If these don’t do the job, we have other products available including custom corrugated and paperboard solutions.

A Lot More than Just the Best Eco Friendly Shipping Boxes

Thanks to you and some excellent industry leading manufacturers we have been able to expand the Globe Guard Products.com store to include:

• 100% PCW paper plain and gusseted mailers for soft goods and other applications
• 100% PCW labels to help you be as eco consistent as possible
• 100% LDPE bubble lined mailers that are recyclable anywhere poly bags are accepted and recycled
• Plastic and water activated tapes available plain and custom printed
• High yield stretch film
• Packaging dispensers for every product we offer

We are truly grateful to you, the loyal customers we have gained this first year of operation and are glad to provide you with a 20% discount on every stock item on our store, including sale items on any order over $50. This offer expires on March 31, 2010 and is limited to stock on hand, so please shop today and don’t forget to use discount code ONEYEAR at check out.

Thank you for making our first year successful and we look forward to continue serving you in 2010.
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Visit the Globe Guard ® Green Packaging Store for -

Green Shipping Boxes
Eco Friendly Packaging Materials
Special Deals on Eco Friendly Shipping Supplies

See our revolutionary, patent pending Globe Guard® Reusable Shipping Box!

8 x 6 x 6 Eco Friendly Box with Partitions

Creating a High Profile in Low Profile Packaging

It’s no secret we spend considerable time developing and promoting our Globe Guard brand of sustainable, eco friendly packaging products. We realize one of the best ways we can accomplish our objectives is to continuously enhance its value to our customers by helping them get their packaging done in as environmentally responsible a way as possible.

Four New Boxes Added to the Globe Guard Green Packaging Web Store

We are pleased to announce the addition of the following to our Globe Guard 100% PCW, recycled content, box sizes.

• 8” X 6” X 6” RSC style, 32 ECT shipping box
• 9” X 5” X 5” RSC style, 32 ECT shipping box
• 14” X 12” X 6” RSC style, 32 ECT shipping box
• 20” X 14” X 4” RSC style, 32 ECT shipping box

We realize not everyone needs a tall or cube box so when you add these four new sizes to the variety of sizes we already have, we are confident we can fit most products and applications with the right box for the job.

Current box sizes include: 8” X 6” X 3” tall, 9” X 8” X 4” tall, 10” X 10” X 5” tall, 12” X 9” X 4” tall, and 12” X 10” X 6” tall.

Need a Unique Eco Friendly Box for a Unique Eco Friendly Product?

Regular readers may tire of hearing this but I hope they understand we draw new readers constantly who may not have heard this before: over 50% of the boxes we sell are custom size, custom grade and/or custom printed. Unlike many internet packaging suppliers, we understand and can help customers design custom packaging for their unusually shaped or configured products. We are also experts at combining a wide variety of substrates and products to -

• Minimize cost
• Maximize recyclability
• Minimize packaging waste by weight and volume
• Maximize reusability
• Minimize the negative impact on the environment

Let us know what your toughest most difficult challenge is and we will likely help you develop a low cost, green solution.
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Visit the Globe Guard ® Green Packaging Store for -

Green Shipping Boxes
Eco Friendly Packaging Materials
Special Deals on Eco Friendly Shipping Supplies

See our revolutionary, patent pending Globe Guard® Reusable Shipping Box!

25% Off Green Household and Office Products - Details Below

There are now many green e-commerce sites available who sell green products ranging from soy candles to organic cotton diapers, but few are as successful in niche marketing as LetsGoGreen.biz. Their CEO and founder, Kyle Jodice. is a bit of a celebrity in Georgia where his products and company have been the subject of numerous TV interviews and articles. We appreciate Kyle taking the time to meet our readers.

DS: Kyle, please do us a favor and give us a little background on you personally. How did you end up involved and as most agree, leading the green movement?

KJ: I had a 25-year background in sales and distribution, working mostly for myself as a defense contrator, selling everything from toilet paper to tank parts to the US military. The industry was declining, though, especially for small businesses, and I was looking to get into something new. While watching a Diane Sawyer Earth Day special a few years ago I had what can only be described as a “lightbulb moment,” and the idea for LetsGoGreen.biz was born. I wasn’t “greener” than the next person at the time, but thought with my sales and distribution background that I could help the average person “make a difference” in their homes and businesses by making green products available to anyone living or working in the USA. “Leading the green movement” is very kind of you to suggest. Let’s just say there are lots of great companies promoting green products, and we’re happy to be one of them.

DS: When I talk about niche marketing I am referring to the household products you feature on your site. How did you determine that this is what people were looking for, and please give our readers an idea of the range of products they will find on your site.

KJ: As I mentioned, I wasn’t “greener” than the next person. I considered myself the average consumer. I think most people want to do their part to help the environment but don’t know where to start and certainly aren’t going to start by going solar or putting a windmill in their yard. So to me it was all about the little changes everyone could make at home or work, starting with myself. At LetsGoGreen.biz we carry the everyday products we all use that can add up to make a big difference. We all use trash bags, toilet paper and paper towels. We all use cleaners and laundry detergent. We all use light bulbs, paper plates, hot and cold cups, etc. At LetsGoGreen.biz you can get all of the everyday items we all use, except now you can get the “green” version. Plus, it doesn’t matter where you live in the country as we ship nationwide every day.

DS: Kyle, how do you decide if a product is “green enough” to be offered on your site?

KJ: It’s true that a lot of companies are stretching things by calling their products “green.” We get lots of offers to carry products these days and honestly we turn most of them down. It starts with the idea that if I wouldn’t use the product, we won’t sell it. Also, if you have to explain your product to me for me to understand why it’s “green,” it’s probably not an item for us. Again, we’re all about the everyday items we all use. Once a product line has caught our eye, then we check closer into the company to see if they are someone whose products we would want to represent, and if their products really do what they are intended to do and are made out of what they say they are. I personally sample every product before it is added to our site. My simple rule of thumb has served us well so far. If I wouldn’t use it, we don’t sell it. Simple as that.

ISP Readers: Kyle has generously offered us a discount. Use coupon code “FRIEND” at check out to receive a 25% discount on your LetsGoGreen order.

DS: I know water conservation is extremely important to you and most people in Georgia. Talk to us about that and some of the products you carry to help combat that growing problem.

KJ: We had a serious drought a couple of years ago in the southeast. At LetsGoGreen.biz we carry a full line of water conservation products from low-flow showerheads, toilet tank banks, kitchen and bath aerators and shower coaches. Over 75% of the water we all use in our homes is used in our bathrooms. It goes down our tubs, toilets and sinks. By changing to a low-flow showerhead and adding low-flow aerators and toilet tank banks, you can dramatically lower your water usage and your water bill at the same time. These really are products that pay for themsleves. I appeared on numerous TV shows in Georgia and around the Southeast showing folks the little changes they could make to save and conserve water. Again, if we all do a little it can really add up.

DS: One of the things I have noticed about your company is the way you advocate Green as a fundraiser for organizations like churches and schools. I think that is a marvelous idea, so please tell us how you started down that path.

KJ: When my kids were younger I did alot of travel coaching and helping out with school events. Both need to raise funds. It was a natural when starting LetsGoGreen.biz to incorporate a fundraising program into our company. We felt it was a good way to give back. Groups and organizations sign up with us and then ask their supporters to purchase from us and select their group at checkout. Each time they are selected they receive 25% of the sale, paid monthly, year round. It’s a great way to promote green products while earning monies for their groups. It works for schools, churches, clubs, environmental organizations, etc. Really, any group that does fundraising. I’m happy to say we have over 260 groups in 40+ states around the country participating in our fundraising program.

DS: One of the many I things I most appreciate is your “eco consistency” right through your secondary packaging process. I am proud to say our Globe Guard boxes are prominently displayed on your “About Us” page. Tell us about this commitment and what else does your company do to “walk the walk”?

KJ: Whether at home or the office I do believe in practicing what you preach. Our outgoing packages were a big concern to us and switching to using the GlobeGuard 100% recycled boxes from Salazar Packaging was a nice change. I would encourage any company who uses shipping boxes to consider switching to the Globe Guard boxes. We have a company recycling program and use all of the products we sell ourselves — eco-friendly trash bags, cleaners, bath tissue and breakroom supplies. The same little changes I would encourage any home or business to make.

DS: Kyle, are there any new products you’ve recently added that you would like to tell our readers about?

KJ: We’ve been adding lots of new products lately. We just added the Bambu line of plates amd utensils. We recently added LiquiFix, which is the worlds first green spray lubricant. We also just added Oil Gone Easy, and eco-friendly home & driveway cleaner. Then there are a line of Ditto eco-friendly clothes hangers. Finally we have added many new food service items including Ecotainer hot cups, GreenWare cold cups, SpudWare utensils, EatWare plates, JustFresh bowls, and others.

DS: Thank you Kyle, we appreciate the opportunity to share you and your story with our readers. I encourage everyone to check out your web site and buy products that can really help them improve the quality of life and save some money in the process.

Here are a few interesting YouTube facts you may not know.

• They now stream a full BILLION videos each and every day.
• According to some industry sources, YouTube now adds twenty HOURS of new content, every minute of the day.
• If they stopped adding content today and you devoted your life to watching videos on YouTube, you would not live long enough to see them all.

YouTube and Business

In October of 2006, Google paid a whopping $1.65 BILLION for YouTube and even though it has never turned a profit for them, I suspect it will eventually prove to be money well spent. What we do know already is that it has the amazing ability to make worldwide internet stars out of some people who ordinarily would not been noticed in their own neighborhood.

YouTube is also proving to be a tremendous asset to business because it provides a simple, inexpensive way to potentially share something with the world.

The Globe Guard Reusable Box – “You Have to See It!”

If you are a regular reader you know we recently created a new patent pending box design we call the Globe Guard® Reusable Box. Essentially we made it easy to invert a previously used box inside-out, creating a like new box that can be used again.

We could have written a lengthy description of the inverting process and possibly included several still photographs, but the best way for us to help others understand how easy it is to invert our new box design is to actually demonstrate it for them. By witnessing the process in real time, it is easy to fully appreciate its speed and simplicity.

Happy Birthday, YouTube … and thank you!


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Visit the Globe Guard ® Green Packaging Store for -

Green Shipping Boxes
Eco Friendly Packaging Materials
Special Deals on Eco Friendly Shipping Supplies

See our revolutionary, patent pending Globe Guard® Reusable Shipping Box!

From the beginning we promised to bring our readers interviews with difference makers in the fast moving, rapidly changing world of sustainability and few have as firm of a handle on it as Deborah Fleischer. Deborah is president of Green Impact and whether she is serving as a consultant or as a writer for various outlets, including her own blog, she is a busy lady and we are fortunate to be able to interview her.

DS: Deborah, please tell our readers about your company and the consulting work you do?

DF: Green Impact helps companies walk the green talk. We support businesses and organizations committed to sustainability design and implement new green programs, and create green communications that engage, inspire and change behavior. Our promise is to deliver real, measurable results.

DS: You are considered an authority on “green messaging”. Give us some idea of what you suggest to your clients.

DF: Wearing my Green Maven hat, I offer three suggestions to promote a stronger, more authentic green message:

1. Walk the talk and implement in-house goals and programs before you tell the world you are green (see If You’re Going to be Naked, You Better Be Buff);
2. Target Audience: Be clear on who you are trying to reach, what they care about and communicate directly to them where they are. Be it Twitter or Facebook, you need to integrate social media channels into your strategy; and
3. Tell simple stories: Share both your successes and challenges in an engaging way. You need to go deep and identify real areas for improvement, yet go simple with your communications.

DS: You do a lot of work with governmental agencies as well as and non-profit organizations. How has the recession affected their green programs and initiatives?

DF: Over the past year, I have seen a significant drop in budgets to execute new green programs for non-profits and governmental agencies. There are many cutting-edge programs in these sectors, but smaller budgets for consultants to support the efforts.

DS: Deborah, late last year you authored a Green Biz report titled “Green Teams”. Can you please tell our readers a little about what led to that excellent piece and what it addresses?

DF: Much of my blogging has focused on best green business practices and last year, after attending a variety of conferences, a particular challenge I saw companies struggling with is how to leverage the passion and commitment of employees to support corporate sustainability goals.

A top-down approach alone is not enough for success and a key strategy for engaging employees is green teams. I ended up interviewing several larger companies about their green team best practices and pulled the information together into one report.

DS: Please give us some idea on how your “Green Teams” report can be utilized by different size companies at different levels of their green initiatives.

DF: The report identified ten best practices for engaging employees in sustainability. I have received positive feedback on the report from a wide variety of companies. If a company is just getting started, the report includes tips for forming a green team and presents ideas for initial programs. For companies farther along in the process, it also presents more strategic ways to align green teams with corporate objectives.

DS: You are a self proclaimed “packaging geek” and I know this is an area of great interest to you. Tell us what you think the packaging industry has accomplished and where you believe it still has much work to do.

DF: I’m not sure I’m a geek, but when I see a company claiming to be green, and they have not thought about their packaging, it drives me a bit bonkers. I get so passionate about it I can drive folks crazy.

That is why I was so excited to discover your company and happy to recommend it to organizations struggling to find good sources of green packaging. I think the variety and options of products has grown—for example, the bio-based plastics and packing peanuts are a great addition.

The challenge I still see if around education and labeling. I just ordered something last week from a “green company” packed in peanuts. I have no way of knowing if they could be composted or if they are plastic (I imagine you might be able to tell by simply looking, but I’m not that much of a geek!).

And at the GreenBiz Forum in San Francisco earlier this month, there was much confusion over whether the cups and cutlery were compostable or not. Green packaging is great—but it is even more powerful when we can close the loop and reuse, recycle or compost rather than send it to the landfill.

DS: Deborah, thank you for taking time to share with us and I encourage everyone to spend some time reading your insightful articles, posts and reports. You can learn more at Deborah’s sustainability consulting website and her sustainability blog, Shades of Green. You can also follow Deborah Fleischer on Twitter.