Amazon Green's Blog

There’s been talk in Washington lately about creating a single government certifying agency that would put its stamp of approval on products that help the environment. Such a program would work to steer all of us toward legitimate “green” solutions and prevent products that really aren’t eco-friendly from saying that they are.

As someone who’s spent the last 20 years countering the damage that fake green products inflict on the reputation of those with a legitimate benefit, you’d think I would endorse the idea of a standard regulatory seal. And I do, but with caveats.

The idea of a single green standard certainly sounds good. Right now there are no standards. Virtually anyone can market their product as good for the environment regardless of whether that’s true. In the vacuum that has been created by the lack of governmental standards, and the lack of enforcement of the few rules that do exist, dozens of organizations have raised their hands to compete for supremacy. By some counts there are more than 200 different green product certifying programs in the U.S. Add to that an increasingly crowded green product marketplace, and it’s no wonder consumers are confused and distrustful.

A single certifying seal that we could trust would go a long way toward clearing up the confusion. I’m just not sure the government is up to the task. I worry that a federal process would put too many cooks in the kitchen, involve too many lobbyists trying to put a green face on business as usual, and result in a lowest common denominator standard that would simply make it official that “green” means nothing much at all.

There’s also the issue of what specific product features a green standard would be based on. Will it use a narrow set of environmental safety or resource conservation measurements? Or will it also consider things like climate change, biodiversity, and air and water pollution? And what of social concerns like human rights and labor practices? Will those count as they should?

The answers to these questions are murky at best when considering a federal solution. I think a better bet would be for the legitimate green business community to coalesce around an existing independent rating program and help everyone adopt and use it.

The GoodGuide is one example of a system that works. It assesses products for their impacts on more than 600 separate environmental, social, and human health issues and rates them on a color-coded 1-10 scale that lets us instantly gauge each product’s relative value and make comparisons between competing solutions. Placing this score on the product packaging would put this information right in our hands as we make our purchasing decisions.

Better still, the GoodGuide is much more than a rudimentary thumbs-up standard that simply votes products in or out depending on whether they meet a minimum threshold. It’s a complete, in-depth screening system with web-based tools that provide us with the deeper levels of information we need to become truly conscious shoppers. (Think Consumer Reports instead of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.) In effect, the GoodGuide’s ratings and the data behind them let us issue our own certifications for products based on our own priorities. Rather than default to someone else’s judgment, the GoodGuide makes us judge and jury where a product’s green credentials are concerned.

In doing this, the GoodGuide offers the best of all worlds. It makes each consumer’s opinion the most important one, and it’s a system with high standards, based on a properly broad set of measurements that avoid the narrow perspective that usually waters down these kinds of efforts. At the same time, it’s free of the political manipulation that inevitably arises whenever governments decide to define terms. It’s fairer, more honest, more versatile, and more useful than I suspect any government program would be.

That said, we’ve been down this road before and without much to show for it. Millions of dollars, for example, were spent to establish GreenSeal as America’s green product standard, but the program never took off despite its obvious worth. Right now, the best place to start is with something that’s already been started. That makes the GoodGuide an excellent option. We just have to put it to work before Washington gets to work on something less effective.

By Jeffrey Hollender
Chief Inspired Protagonist
Seventh Generation, Inc.
www.seventhgeneration.com

A big thank you to all our customers who have been leaving packaging feedback about items ordered on Amazon.com.

Several customers expressed the need for a couple of additions to the packaging feedback form.

First you asked us to add a text box for leaving additional comments, and, second, you asked us to add a “Too Small” option for the question pertaining to Amazon box size and protection.

Based on this feedback, we are happy to announce the launch of the text box and "Too Small" option on the packaging feedback page. Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/packaging-feedback.

~Amazon Green Scene

As summer approaches, people are turning up their air conditioners to stay comfortable through the hot months.  There’s been a lot of focus over the years on increasing the efficiency of air conditioning and cooling for people and buildings, but there’s a lesser known  culprit out there in need of cooling too - data centers.

Data centers range in size from small closets in typical office buildings to enormous stand-alone facilities, some as big as multiple football fields, filled with the computer servers that help run ecommerce, power the internet and keep our increasingly connected economy going.  These facilities consume a surprising amount of energy and their energy consumption is growing rapidly.  According to an EPA report to Congress released in 2007, the energy consumption of data centers doubled from 2000 to 2005 and will almost double again by 2010. By 2011, data centers are projected to consume roughly 2.5 percent of total U.S. electrical production.  This may seem small, but is about the same amount of electricity used by the entire U.S transportation manufacturing industry, including the production of automobiles, aircraft, trucks, and ships.

Much of this power is used to keep the equipment cool.  In the average data center, every watt of power consumed by a server requires an additional watt of power to cool the server.  Consider that the average person generates about 100 watts of heat. By comparison, a rack of servers can exceed 20 kilowatts, or 200 times what a human generates.  Imagine a football field covered with these devices.  Now, that’s a cooling challenge!

The good news is that the EPA continues to focus on this issue, and on May 15th, 2009 released an ENERGY STARŪ specification for Computer Servers.  ENERGY STAR qualified Computer Servers will use 30% less energy than a typical server and will provide the following benefits to data center operators:
•    Efficient power supplies that generate less waste heat, reducing the need for excess air conditioning in the facilities where they are housed;
•    Improved power quality, which provides building-wide efficiency benefits;
•    Capabilities to measure real time power use, processor utilization, and air temperature, which improves manageability and lowers total cost of ownership;
•    Advanced power management features to save energy across various operating states; and
•    A power and performance data sheet for purchasers that standardizes key information on energy performance, features and other capabilities.

Because of the 1:1 ratio between servers and cooling, every watt saved in a server will save an additional watt from power distribution and cooling in the data center, doubling the savings from the installation of efficient equipment.

The EPA isn’t stopping there.  Ongoing efforts include the development of a:
•    New specification for enterprise storage
•    Building-wide efficiency rating for data centers
•    Second tier server specification to increase savings

For more information on ENERGY STAR‘s initiatives for servers and data centers go to ENERGY STAR Data Centers.

References:
Per person metabolic heat rate: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/metabolic-heat-p ersons-d_706.html
EPA report to Congress: http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/prod_develop ment/downloads/EPA_Datacenter_Report_Congress_Fina l1.pdf
ENERGY STAR Server Press Release: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf66185 25a9efb85257359003fb69d/3829e1ce26d173e7852575ba00 4d9518!OpenDocument

~Amazon Green Scene

Believe it or not, it is already Memorial Day and time to prepare for the heat of summer and high energy bills. Fortunately, there is still something cool about summer beyond how much fun you’ll have.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program offers simple solutions for how you can keep comfortable without having to pay huge energy bills.  And, you’ll be helping protect the environment, too!

Did you know that the energy used in an average home costs more than $2,200 a year and contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than a typical car? With ENERGY STAR, you can save more than $700 while you reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

“A few simple changes will help create real reductions in high summer electric bills and provide a hefty cut in greenhouse gas emissions in the bargain,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “It’s important that we all do our part to confront climate change, especially when it can help save money during these challenging economic times.”

Here are your simple solutions for saving money while you stay cool this summer:

• Set your programmable thermostats at a higher temperature for when you are away and try not to override settings throughout the day. Using a thermostat properly can save you up to $180 per year in energy costs. Visit www.energystar.gov/pts for more information.

• Run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect that will make you “feel” cooler. Remember that ceiling fans cool people, not rooms -- so turn them off when you leave the room.

• Make sure you don’t have lights on unless you need them and replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Lights, particularly incandescent lighting, generate a lot of heat. ENERGY STAR CFLs use two-thirds less energy and generate 75% less heat than conventional bulbs.

• Inspect your duct system for obvious signs of leaks and disconnections (most houses leak 20 percent or more). Seal any leaks with foil tape or a special sealant called “duct mastic.” Also consider insulating ducts in unconditioned areas (like the attic, basement or crawlspace).

• Seal air leaks around your home to keep the heat out and the cool air in. The biggest air leaks are usually found in the attic or basement, but also come in around doors, windows, vents, pipes and electrical outlets. Use caulk, spray foam or weather stripping to seal the leaks. And add more insulation to keep your home cooler this summer.

• Maintain your cooling system. Check your system’s air filter every month at a minimum and change the filter every 3 months. Remove leaves, dirt and other debris from around the outdoor components to improve air flow and efficiency. Have a qualified professional tune-up your system with a pre-season maintenance checkup and, if it’s time to replace your old system, look for models that have earned the ENERGY STAR.

• Use drapes or blinds to block light from coming into your home during the day. You would be surprise how much heat is generated just by sunlight coming through windows.

Visit EPA’s ENERGY STAR @ home tool for more summer saving solutions.

~Thanks to the EPA and ENERGY STAR for this post to Amazon Green Scene.

What we know:

• Global Warming: The sea levels are not anticipated to rise as drastically as initially thought when science from the 70's was still in vogue: from the BBC.
• Americans (and our fine Canadian brethren), collectively, are still laggards when it comes to green consumerism

What we like:

• Two controversial topics, Eco and Stiletto, combine to form Green Voltron! Well, not quite, but EcoStiletto.com seems to have it going on.You can even sign up to win $500 worth of eco-shoes every month for the rest of 2009. 
• UAR: Beer, bikes and big wheels: Green bicycle ride/scavenger hunts in an urban setting on a sunny weekend morning with good friends. There are worse things in life.

What we're skeptical about:

• Whether anybody REALLY has any idea about Global Warming and what REAL impacts are going to be. I live in Seattle. Weather folks can't predict if it is going to rain on me or not. You get my drift. 
• Are sites like EcoStiletto (Motto: "EcoStiletto is for the woman who wants to do the right thing and still look good doing it.") simply providing a feel-good out for folks who want to play green without all the dirty work? Discuss.

(Image credit: news.BBC.co.uk)

~Jeremy G for Amazon.com

~Amazon Green Scene

From Crunchgear:

"If a pizza box transforms into four plates and a smaller box for leftovers, I say that qualifies as a gadget." Read more.

~Amazon Green Scene

Seems like there is a constant public relations race ongoing for all cities, particularly in the "Green" sector. But this is a double edged, sword, no?

The Slippery Slope:

1. City takes steps to reduce carbon/recycle/buy a grip of electric cars
2. "Come live and work in our Green City marketing campaign" kicks off
3. People move to Green City and start living and working because it is a "nice place to raise a family"
4. More density creates more traffic (as not all folks moving to Green City are there to keep the Green vibe going--as in they bring their Land Yacht SUVs vs. their bicycles)
5. Greenness level, in aggregate drops
6. Angst rises amongst the City's Dark Greens
7. People get injured during Critical Mass rides
8. City has to start back at step one with trees, bikes and a new pedestrian-only downtown corridor

Yes, I'm tongue-in-cheeking this one--sorta.

Nods to Seattle and Philadelphia for doing some more step one work (found via the Environmental Leader Daily.)

~ Jeremy G for Amazon Green Scene

Every Earth Day I struggle to find something relevant to write about from the gamer's perspective beyond a lame reference to Captain Planet. Although I guess said lame reference has just been made, thankfully this year there is something else on offer, Plan it Green.

Described by the National Geographic website as "the first green casual game," beyond the obvious play on words, Plan It Green is a city building sim for PC that is tinted green. The back story is as follows:

As the Mayor of Greenville, players have the opportunity to create a green city... As mayor of your hometown, you have vowed to bring about a new green future by changing the ways of the past,. You are working with close supporters to restore Greenvile to its former glory and beauty.

Watch as Greenville transforms before your eyes as you build eco-homes, apply green upgrades and bring new clean jobs and industry to your hometown!  Plan It Green is the first game that leverages the resources of National Geographic, an organization that was green when green wasn’t cool.

Game Features Include:

• Improving 8 neighborhoods across 45 levels
• Upgrading the town with parks, eco-homes and environmental upgrades
• Building eco-friendly houses, stores and businesses
• Picking the latest eco-upgrades
• Monitor your Greendex as you track towards a more sustainable environment

Now who says going green is too hard? If we could only do it for real now. What am I saying! Sure we can. Lower your carbon footprint, recycle all that you can, support local organic farmers, etc. etc., repeat. And once you've done what you can, check out Plan It Green. There is a free demo available, and copies available for purchase.

Thanks to GamePolitics.com for the heads up on this.

--Hobson's Choice

 While you can enter a Sweepstakes, get some great deals on Green goods and learn about how to be a bit more Green on our Earth Day page at Amazon.com, I wanted to give you some links to other goings on. Check them out below and Happy Earth Day!

From Trendcentral:

• Earthproject.com: "By uploading and sharing videos that specifically address environmental issues in communities around the world, members of the site's thousands-strong social network (which spans 150 countries) provide its visitors with a sobering "window to the world" view of our fragile global eco-system."
• Google Power Meter: "Currently in development, Google's PowerMeter tool will soon help consumers monitor their personal energy expenditures in real-time. Once launched, not only will the tool help reduce carbon emissions by showing people where they can cut down on their individual power usage, but according to studies, it will also ultimately help save between 5-15% on one's monthly energy bill."
• Green Groove:"This new online service helps consumers create personalized "withdrawal" plans to help them organically adapt to more sustainable ways and embrace eco-conscious choices. Visitors engage in a three-phase process."

From Seventh Generation:

• "Big Green Lies" premiers tonight: Are cloth diapers better than disposables? Should a pollution alert be issued for your kitchen? Do hybrids really save energy? These and other green questions will be answered tonight when Seventh Generation President Jeffrey Hollender hosts Big Green Lies, a new television special on Fine Living Network at 9 p.m.
• Earth Day Event at The New Green Economy.com: For Earth Day, sustainability website The New Green Economy is hosting an event with partners that include WWF, The Hunger Project, Grameen Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Rainforest Action Network, and Green for All.
  

And, for tons more Green Linkage, you can always go to www.green.alltop.com, an aggregator of all the latest Green news from sites all across the IntarWebs.

~Jeremy G. for Amazon Green Scene