The influx of Hybrids and EVs becomes almost every manufacturer's intend in lowering CO2 emission at consumer level. I think it's high time they should look at the total CO2 emission right from the beginning, starting from manufacturing. That should speak more volume about the brand.
Lexus HS 250h claims that 30% of the combined interior and luggage area is made of Ecological Plastics (TM), which is created, in part, using plant-based materials sourced from the fibers of the kenaf plant and oils from castor seeds. Subsequently reducing the reliance on petroleum-based materials which helps to lower CO2 impact of manufacturing.
Carbon reduction should be considered at three different stages of the product-consumer cycle which is at point of manufacturing, at point of usage and at point of disposal. Therefore, to truly claim sustainability, automakers need to consider a holistic approach to the manufacturing process (because this cause the greatest impact on the environment). Putting out products which are kind to the environment will someday be a 'given' because as I mention before, social conscious consumers will 'vote' with their money. Last but not least, manufacturers should not stop there. They should also plan strategies to educate their customers on the disposal of their products. Now that's closing the loop.
Watched Food Inc. An independent documentary on the American food industry ala Michael Moore with better art direction. The big States seems to be always getting the spotlight for their lead role – the tyrant of all sorts when it comes to consumer scandals (whether or not it’s within their shores). Independent filmmaker Robert Kenner strips away America’s packaging without shame to expose some of the most hideous acts and pure selfish motivations of the country in the name of capitalist growth. It may seem insignificant now, but not in the near future.
Not too long ago, we completed the research on ‘The Green Chronicles’ and have been actively pursuing and propagating sustainability by encouraging people to make the right decisions. Not by going against the system but by actually utilizing the same system these capitalist monsters have been using against gullible human and nature, called consumerism. Yes, you can vote every single day for what you believe in and what is right for your family, community, society, country and ultimately the world by spending your dollar wisely, choosing only manufacturers and service providers that put social business back into commerce. Corporations have always been consumer-centric anyway, but it’s increasingly important for us to acknowledge the importance of being crowd-centric instead. Considering communities as a whole before profit, even before the consumer, I dare say... Simply because being consumer-centric only means profit generation. The problem starts when they get all fuzzied vision about it and forget that they too are living in a society spiraling downwards in this era of environmental doom.
Well, vote responsibly with your money and support local industry (I speak for Malaysia – please understand that a lot of the ‘nice imageries of delicious foods and made-up vitamins’ come from packaging design and really smart brand marketing – take it from someone who is from the advertising industry aight’?), so yea… if the quality isn’t too bad then why not vote for local produce the next time you purchase something? Find out more about the slow food movement and collaborate with your local community and perhaps, start food appreciation at home instead of external food establishments.
I’ll be interested to find answers to these questions in Malaysia. Please share if you have them.
1) What are the laws which are protecting consumers and which ones are protecting the food industry and what is the balance?
2) What are we importing and exporting and why are we exporting better goods offshore instead of providing it to local consumers?
3) What agricultural practices are we implementing that take a holistic approach from ensuring farmer’s wellbeing up to consumer consumption education? For example, the UTZ Certified coffee beans in New Zealand that strongly practice sustainability in their coffee, tea and cocoa production supporting local communities.
4) Exactly how sustainable are we? In all our food productions; fisheries, agriculture, etc? And how many graduates are we churning out per year who do not just take over their seniors but to one day, lead and innovate these important but most overlooked industries?
On a separate note, read about this new spot in Manhattan called Rouge Tomato. It’s another one of those posh places where dining is fine art I supposed. But what’s commendable is, it too, is riding the wave of social-consciousness that’s sweeping across America hence providing an alternative to high-end customers. To wine and dine at their place, simply because RT belives in Grass-Fed New York Strip Steak (mind you, not CORN-fed. If you watch the movie, you’ll understand what I mean). Here's a peak:
This exercise ran a week before the Polystyrene exercise. We've asked everyone in Dentsu Utama to turn off their computer main switches and other switches (i.e. printer and copier) before leaving the office. We've found out that when the main switches are not turned off, we're draining up to 5 watts of unused energy per hour, per switch. Imagine if you multiply that by the number of non-working hours in a year?!
So we've imposed a fine of RM2 if anyone's caught not turning off their main switches. We've seen 80% improvement in the past one month. Though repeat offenders' attitudes are hard to change, but their money is good enough to cover our other 'green' expenses for the office :) At first we have 4 repeat offenders, a week later, it was down to 2. I'm really happy with the progress :)
About a month ago, Dentsu Utama imposed a ban on Polystyrene food containers. Anyone seen using Polystyrene will be fined RM2. (I think our VP owes us RM10 :D)
It was a tough habit to scrape off but I think it's working out progressively.
We've purchased 10 plastic containers and left 5 of them at the Mamak downstairs, Alai Restaurant, for any delivery order made from Dentsu Utama. The other 5 was left in the pantry for anyone who wishes to 'tapau' food from other vendors in the vicinity.
Though I must say, educating Alai was a pain in the neck. I think it took then nearly 2 weeks to make sure they get it right. I've explained to them more than 3 times to use those containers instead of Polystyrene boxes when sending food to the office.
Another Green Buddy, Daphne, almost vomitted blood and her guts content telling the mamak guy to never ever ever ever pack her food in a Polystyrene container, otherwise the food will not be allowed to enter Dentsu Utama. And I have a pretty good feeling the mamak guys must be thinking that Dentsu Utama is allergic to Polystyrene.
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Lexus HS 250h claims that 30% of the combined interior and luggage area is made of Ecological Plastics (TM), which is created, in part, using plant-based materials sourced from the fibers of the kenaf plant and oils from castor seeds. Subsequently reducing the reliance on petroleum-based materials which helps to lower CO2 impact of manufacturing.
