Russian Diamonds for Conscious Consumers?

We recently received an inquiry asking our opinion about whether or not we, at C5 company, believe Russian diamonds to be an alternative for conscious consumers.

We posed the question to a few of our friends including Greg Valerio, one of the founders of Cred Jewellery, whose opinions we regard highly.

Here’s the deal….

The issue of diamonds is very complex and no perfect solution exists. Responsible companies are at least trying to provide transparency and traceability. Knowing where the diamond is sourced and where it has been cut and polished is key. Ideally, the cutting and polishing would be done in the same community from which the diamond was harvested.

We think that Namibian diamonds are one of the best options for mined diamonds, but they are indeed in very short supply and they are sourced from a De Beers owned mine. We also source from Australia and Canada as they are not war torn countries and have higher environmental standards. Russian diamonds in and of themselves are not good or bad. It depends on where and how they are sourced and brought to market.

Some consumers believe lab-created diamonds to be the most environmentally and socially responsible option. Lab-created diamonds (also called synthetic diamonds or cultured diamonds) have a shorter chain of custody and a smaller carbon footprint than their mined counterpart. However, lab diamonds play no role in supporting the economies of developing countries.

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily

Eco Math

There’s math, new math, and now eco math.  What is eco math?  Super easy! 

Eco math = the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
 
Each day we are presented with opportunities to expand eco awareness and make informed choices.    By making changes that are inspiring and manageable relative our current lives, the process of incorporating sustainability becomes much easier. 
 
The question is, how good are you at eco math?  It’s all about taking as many eco actions you can in a day, every day, of every week, of every month multiplied by the number of people you inspire with eco awareness.   Cumulatively, all the actions add up and contribute positively to addressing the complex issues our world faces today. 
 
Not sure what an eco action is? Start by familiarizing yourself with the different areas of life that you can embrace sustainability concepts.  Next, take action on the ideas that are most appealing to you.  Keep at it; take on more as you learn.  Inspire others. Click here to continue reading.
 
Home to one third of the earth’s trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company’s vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the “oxygen for your business”.

TAIGA7272

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily

Have you heard of 19K gold?

In a past post, I explained the differences between the various karat golds. Now, I am happy to introduce 19K white gold as an exciting eco-friendly option.

19K is 79.2% pure reclaimed gold as confirmed in writing by the supplier (Argen). The color is a stable gleaming white on par with platinum. The best part about it is that it doesn’t need to be rhodium plated! Rhodium plating uses various harmful and toxic chemicals that typically end up in the environment.

The reason that it stays the same color is because of the content of the alloy. The mixing of gold, nickel and zinc together (when it is melted to form the karat gold grain) produces the finished product.

Unlike rhodium plating, which is layered on forming a thin skin of whiteness over the off colured white gold (old style ), the color of the 19kt ultra white always remains the same. Not a layered colouring, but the color is set up in the grain structure of the metal. It will always remain the same color.  

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily

The Truth About Millennials

In our soon to be released Eco Pulse study, we see that Millennials (those aged 18-24) are just starting to put their money where their mouths are.

In fact, they do a lot of talking — and they exhibit some aspirational thinking — but they’re really only just starting to buy green products and change their behaviors.

http://amplify.com/u/2ebk

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily

Green Business League – Avoid Greenwashing and earn the respect of your community and your customers as an authentic Green business

We have entered a new period of environmental awareness. The right to assert a Green business status is not the same as brushing on a new coat of green paint. Unfortunately, there are simply too many companies claiming to be a Green business without actually earning their right to be a certified Green business. The idea of an authentically Green business demands that the aspiring Green business literally earn the Green credential through a process that has clear standards and compliance options rather than a mere Internet logo purchase.

Consider the hard issues that we presently face. World population is predicted to swell to nine billion people by 2025, our resources are reaching their limits, and we have abused the land, water, and air for decades. These mistakes have come back to haunt us, and they have the potential of destroying us and the generations after us. Knowing this, Greenwashing is one of the worst decisions that a company can make, and people will resent every business who plays this game.

The Green Business League has set an industry standard when it comes to Green business, and their 100 point system allows everyone to participate. Moreover, the process is all-inclusive. you need not own the building or offer a product to get involved. You need only make a commitment to installing basic Green practices in your daily operation.

One of the big mistakes to avoid is the attempt to Greenwash your business or product by making claims of environmental compliance that are not honest or part of your business operation. Like trying to pretend that you are a chess master as a chess tournament, those who understand Green will eventually learn that you are mocking an issue that is very serious to the rest of us. This is the kind of mistake that will cost businesses heavily. The best advice is to be authentically Green, but do not Greenwash.

An authentic type of Green business is one that have the Green practices at work in its daily operation as well as what it promotes to others. We have all heard it said that, “If you talk the talk, then you should walk the walk.” While this seems to be good and practical advice, it is lost on many marketing efforts. Unfortunately, the truth is often the first casualty in the marketing business. Yet, there is a desire for truthfulness by all consumers because they are the ones hoping for a better world.

Credible Green claims need to be backed by actual Green practices that are implemented in the daily operation of the business. When a business actually functions as a Green business, the dynamics change. Environmentalism requires universal participation rather than doing only the minimum required to make a Green claim. Since most people has limited knowledge on the subject, it is best to get the assistance of a certified Green consultant. The added benefits is a better Greening project, Green certification, and your business will save thousands of dollars in the process.

Authentically Green is not only the intelligent way to Go Green, it is also the best marketing option available to any business. It will attract those that are environmentally loyal because they will travel the extra mile and spend the extra dollar because they believe in the cause. To attract more customers and keep them coming, it pays to be an authentically Green business.

The Green Business League offers insight and certification of nearly any business at a reasonable price that makes the process easy. Acquiring the assistance of a Certified Green Consultant to supply insight and certification that will be respected by clients, community, and other Green businesses. Going Green is the best choice in a day of far too much Greenwashing.

Eco Schola -Training of trainers in environmental education for youth workers

CLIF® BAR GreenNotes; VolunteerMatch: Helping musicians and fans turn awareness into action

With eco-awareness and the green movement reaching new heights these days, the connection between sustainability and service has never been more apparent.

Many people who care about our planet are balancing reducing one’s environmental footprint with getting out and volunteering time for an organization working on environmental issues. Recently we’ve been helping CLIF® BAR with a project that’s making it easier for music fans to do both.

Click here to read more…

via 3blmedia.com

CSR Minute: September 15, 2009 – USA Today + Cone’s “Do Good”; Schwab + UC Berkeley’s Series; Sustain Link’s “Intelliegent Bank”

Corporate Social Responsible News: USA Today + Cone’s “Do Good” Panel; Schwab + UC Berkeley’s Speaker Series; Sustain Link’s “Intelliegent Bank” Rankings

Posted via web from 3BL Media’s Posterous

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