So everyone these days is all too aware of the price of everything. It seems like prices have just gone straight up in the last decade. I guess we could say it is the price of the modern age. At this very same time we are very aware of the need to buy “green” items. But, what is “green”? Well, I am going to attempt to give you the rationale so that you can keep a few rules in your back pocket.

3 Simple rules:

1. Buy Local – but you can cheat and buy from a local merchant that buys local. This is popular and growing because people are moving back to the “buy from your friends” mentality and the “made right here” trends. You don’t have to hunt the items individually but you can find the merchants that do it for you.

2. Read labels – Less is more meaning two things. Read your labels consistently and you will begin to see the popular mainstream brands have high amounts of chemicals and preservatives that we really don’t know the long term effects of…but pick up some popular brands that don’t contain high amounts of those ingredients (Trader Joes Brands are a great example of reduced ingredients) and you will begin to see the difference.

3. Buy Recycled, Re-claimed, Up-cycled, Re-used, Re-, Re-, Re-. Ok this is the fun part…You can buy things at secondhand stores, or thrift stores, or local gift retailers. Of course, we are partial here at Re-inspiration Store because everything is green in the store in some way. Whether the item is a recycled gift, eco-friendly product made locally, or just a partnership with another local business. But, we are not alone – there are many gifts stores that offer local artists and locally made products. So finding the unique and the local makes for a unique gift and makes you feel good all at the same time.

So this year for your holiday shopping keep it green, eco-friendly and responsible by shopping local, paying attention and get it used if you can. We recommend some cousins to our store as well…Youngblood Art Gallery, At the Collective and Home Grown (Decatur, GA) They are other gift store that will off unique gifts galore right here in Atlanta.

www.reinspirationstore.com

Since its founding in 2008, OrangeHalo’s goal has been to provide clients with the knowledge and the tools to promote their respective brand in an eco-friendly manner. Whether it’s stainless steel water bottles for a large company’s employee giveaway, or organic cotton t-shirts for a non-profit’s yearly event, the message is evident: using eco-friendly promotional items is not only good for the environment, it’s good for your organization. Stainless steel water bottles allow recipients to refill and reuse thus eliminating overuse of plastic water bottles, and organic cotton t-shirts, depending on the quantity, save hundreds if not thousands of gallons of water due to the method of cultivating organic cotton.

So, as you put your brand into the marketplace by putting your logo on giveaways, think about the added incentive of using items that reflect your organization’s commitment to sustainability. Not only will you be doing what’s necessary to build brand awareness, but also what’s necessary to ensure brand responsibility.

OrangeHalo has an extensive selection and knowledge of eco-friendly promotional items and apparel so please contact us for your next promotional project.

www.orangehalo.com

paul@orangehalo.com

At OXXO Care Cleaners, our customers experience the ultimate in garment car. We use only environmentally safe “GreenEarthism” solvents and the latest, most technologically advanced European manufactured garment care equipment. Your garments will be cleaned right the first time and personally inspected by one of our garment care specialists to ensure superior handling and meticulous attention to detail.

We offer a 24/7 ATM-Style garment delivery system because for some people, 7am to 7pm may not be convenient. This system allows customers to pick up and drop off their garments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is revolutionary in the garment cleaning industry.

All garments are checked for stains individually, processed and then hand pressed for the proper finish your clothes deserve.

What makes OXXO different from other drycleaning chains?

At OXXO we use Green Earth, an environmentally safe cleanser made with a GE silicone formula found in common every day products like lipstick and deodorant. People are continually looking for ways to make their lifestyle greener, safer as well as less time consuming. You can see the difference for yourself. Whites don’t yellow. Colors won’t fade, no matter how often we clean them, and wools never get that “washed out” appearance. Fabrics stay soft too, and shrinkage? That’s a thing of the past. With Green Earth, your clothes will always retain their correct size and shape.

Green Earth solvent provides cost-effective garment care that doesn’t harm

Our customers, personnel & the environment!

Convenient 24/7 pick up / drop off

OXXO is the only drycleaners that offers its customers the convenience of the round-the-clock service. On the way home from work, on the way to the airport or any time you want. You can access your garments through an easy-to-use, ATM-style window 2 hours a day, 7 days a week at our location in the Buckhead Exchange shopping Center.

Hand-Ironed Finish – No Steam Pressing

Not only does traditional steam pressing compromise air quality in and around the dry cleaning store, it shortens the lifespan of your customers’ clothes. All OXXO garments are hand-ironed providing a beautiful look and comfortable feel.

For those who live green, who want no harsh chemicals on their clothes, who care about the environment, this is what you have been waiting for. No more allergies, no more itchiness, no more washing your clothes with perc or any other chemical based solvents. OXXO CARE CLEANERS is here because we care, about you, your clothes and the environment.

About the solvent:

We are proud to be a business that people who care about the environment can patronize with confidence. Our GreenEarth Cleaning process is better for our community, our customers and our employees. We are proof that it is possible to be both ‘clean’ and ‘green’. Our customers actually prefer the way their clothes look, feel and smell with the GreenEarth Cleaning process.

GreenEarth Cleaning was created in 1999 by several dry cleaners that were looking for a non-polluting alternative to perchloroethylene or “perc”, a Toxic Air Contaminant dry cleaners have been using since the 1940’s. Dry cleaners using the GreenEarth Cleaning process have earned numerous environmental awards, including citations from the U.S. EPA and the states of Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

“We chose GreenEarth because most other alternative solvents, like hydrocarbon, are petrochemicals so they are classified as air-polluting VOCs (volatile organic compounds),” Last name said. “We wanted to make a full commitment to environmental protection by using the GreenEarth Cleaning process.” Unlike processes with harsh chemicals, GreenEarth is odorless and will not damage fabrics.

The silicone-based GreenEarth Cleaning solvent is listed as a preferred alternative to ozone-depleting chemicals in the U.S. EPA’s Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP). Because any spill of the GreenEarth Cleaning solvent quickly degrades to sand, water and carbon dioxide, it is not regulated by hazardous waste laws such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Increasing regulatory pressure, concern for soil and water contamination, and other business issues have led many in the industry to search for an alternative to perc. GreenEarth Cleaning developed its patented, environmentally preferred silicone-based process in response to these industry needs and is now making the process available to dry cleaners worldwide. More information is available by visiting the GreenEarth Cleaning web site at http://www.greenearthcleaning.com/.

Baumgartens, an Atlanta business that manufactures planet and people-friendly products, announces an updated, eco-conscious Plastiklips® that are now manufactured using 40 percent post-consumer waste.

“Redesigning products that contribute to making our world more sustainable and human-friendly is something Baumgartens values,” says David Baumgarten, vice president. “We introduced Plastiklips in the U.S. in 1963 and have held various patents on this enduring product for nearly five decades. We are committed to improving all our products to support a sustainable and safe planet.”

Plastic is a versatile synthetic material that is widely integrated in human usage today. According to research, the U.S. alone produces 120 billion tons of plastic annually. Out of all this plastic, less than five percent are being recycled while much of it goes into landfills. Plastic takes up to 400 years to decompose and various forms of plastic represent 90 percent of the floating trash which contaminates water today.

Choosing Plastiklips offer one way to recycle and reuse plastic that would have otherwise gone into landfills and the ocean. The lightweight, plastic paper clips are a high quality product that comes in assorted colors and a variety of sizes. The acid-free clips are rustproof and will not tear or discolor paper. Great for color coding and safe for shredders and avoiding scratches on copiers and scanners, Plastiklips come in boxes made from 91 percent post-consumer waste.

Plastiklips are available now through most office supply dealers and catalogues, and online at www.OfficeDepot.com and www.B3.net.

Baumgartens is a woman-owned family business supplying unique, innovative products to the school, home, office and janitorial/sanitation market that make a difference to thousands of retailers and wholesalers across the U.S.A. Baumgartens successful environmental program, business paradigms, flexible programs and award-winning customer service are unrivaled in the office supply industry.

For more information on Baumgartens, please visit our websites at www.baumgartens.com or contact customer service at 800-247-5547.

HAS YOUR OFFICE REJECTED REMANUFACTURED TONER CARTRIDGES?

Choosing the RIGHT sustainable toner cartridges for your organization is not black and white.

I know, finding the right sustainable toner cartridges for your organization can be a daunting task.  Frustrating memories and deep scars endure as some remanufacturers have lowered quality to improve profits, flooding the market with inferior cartridges and unhappy users.

As a result, some office product buyers and business owners have completely rejected the use of remanufactured cartridges on their printers, eliminating their best chance for a more sustainable office. What a shame!  Now is the time to take another look at today’s options.

What has changed?  In recent years the best producers of monochrome (black and white) remanufactured cartridges have invested in advanced technology and some boast the same defect rate, print quality and page yield as brand-name cartridges.  There is no better time to do your homework and to get up to speed on the best toner cartridge options for your office.

TIPS FOR SOURCING COMPATIBLE TONER CARTRIDGES

• Know your options – Remember not all re-built cartridges are the same
• Run trial cartridges to ensure proper performance
• Do not buy on price alone – Just know that you must pay more for better quality

Take advantage of new technology and start the process of finding sustainable options that work.  Remember, you’ll realize huge savings as you print while helping conserve valuable resources.  Please visit us at ConservaPrint.com.  For a free consultation on choosing the right remanufactured cartridges for your organization, please contact us at reduce@conservaprint.com or call us at 866-37-5401.

1. Shop Local – this is always the first rule in being sustainable and responsible.

2.  Buy items constructed with reclaimed materials or have some sort of up-cycled component to them.  More and more retailers are carrying items that have been created using materials that were destined for a landfill.

3.  Redo a gift from a local thrift store or Goodwill.  For example, take an old mirror or picture frame and put a fresh coat of paint on it.

4.  Know where the products you buy come from.  Pay attention to labels for terms such as “certified organic” / or “fair trade”.

5.  Buy things that grow…

6.  Buy Solar Electronics.   Solar products are hitting the market and you can find all types of electronics now in the solar version and even generators are available.

7.  Buy gift cards from “local Green Businesses” and give them to family and friends, using it as an opportunity to educate your “not-so-green” family and friends…

8.  Give “Organic” Produce as a gift…it’s always good to give edibles and the care and love that goes into organic farming these days makes them an especially tasty gift.

9.  Re-gift…do this with love.   Ever look around your house and notice how much “stuff” you have.  Small pieces that just collect dust can be a great re-gift…you see, the re-gift only is bad when the item is ugly.  If you bought it and enjoyed it then you can certainly be sure someone you care about may just enjoy it too.

10.  When in doubt buy MADE IN THE USA

by Brooke Schultz

owner, Re-inspiration Store

810 Huff Road, Atlanta

www.reinspirationstore.com

“Businesses today are going beyond rudimentary understanding of our impact on our customers to being accountable for everything we do. The team of people called Baumgartens is willing to look at our manufacturing process, materials, shipping, going green, making a difference through our products and our way of interacting with our customers…and grow. This makes all the difference.”     —   David Baumgarten, Vice President

As a woman-owned family business, Baumgartens is committed to making a difference with our customers and our community at-large, whether it be with our products or our sustainability efforts as a company. Our efforts to go green with our products have just in the last few years begun to match our efforts to go green on the inside, but this is just the beginning.

We Are Concerned About the Public’s Safety
Two years ago we announced the unprecedented goal of screening 100% of our 800 products for toxins and heavy metals. This stringent European standard is called the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. We pledge to continue this best practice so that our customers can have peace of mind, knowing all of our products are safe for people.

No other American company has shown their concern for public safety with RoHS compliance the way that Baumgartens has. We have qualified and tested thousands of components, mechanical plastics and metals as heavy-metal safe in our products, and we are annually testing and updating our portfolio of safe products. In addition, we are committed to introducing compostable and biodegradable materials to the products we are developing wherever it is feasible. Stay tuned for next year’s offerings!

We Recycle
Baumgartens’ tub display rack take-back programs have been in place since inception, which allows our customers to refurbish or recycle our racks. Rather than putting them in the trash, they can request a call tag and we’ll pick it up and refurbish or recycle it. Dramatic environmental savings are available for those who participate in this program.

We also measure our recycling performance by comparing total pounds recycled to total pounds land-filled in the same year. Since we implemented our program, we achieved a recycling rate of 700%, which blew away our target of 600%. Our goal for 2012 is 900%, and we’ll beat that in 2010 — 2 years ahead of schedule.

We Are Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
We are in the process of updating the carbon footprint of our entire company. Most companies are focused on the emissions produced by their offices or perhaps their factories, but we have found that this accounts for just a small fraction — less than 5% — of the greenhouse gases. Our plan is to be 100% carbon neutral by 2015.

Since our 2007 Green Initiative, we have planted thousands of trees and offset hundreds of thousands of pounds of harmful greenhouse gasses. We also aim to be 100% carbon neutral by 2015. Between our successful environmental program, useful products, business paradigms and award-winning customer service we have something to offer the world. Our Conserve planet-friendly products as well as our other products that are recycled or environmentally friendly is just one part of that. We’re hoping that those products and our company as a whole will help inspire change that effects our environment, our world and our conscious consumers.

The Business Solutions Association just announced that we won the 2010 Green Innovation award for products!!!!!!!!!

Nakita Pope | Creative Director & Brand Manager

When most people think of “sustainability” they think about installing CFL light bulbs in their home or business, a manufacturing facility that uses renewable energy, or corporate and consumer recycling; the thought of sustainable practices in the sales and marketing cycle rarely come to mind.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), “the average office worker in the US uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year.  That’s four million tons of copy paper used annually.  Office workers in the US generate approximately two pounds of paper and paperboard products every day.”  Furthermore, “if all computers sold in the US meet ENERGY STAR requirements, the savings in energy costs will grow to more than $1.5 billion each year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 2 million vehicles.”  This presents a tremendous opportunity to “green” business services in the United States.  This is where the Sustainable Business Development Group is a market leader.

The Sustainable Business Development Group is a business development consulting firm that manages the sales and marketing cycle for small-to-medium sized businesses.  This means that the primary focus of the Sustainable Business Development Group is to create and implement a sales and marketing plan that involves sustainable processes in the business cycle.

The EPA and DOE highlighted the fact that workers in the US use a lot of paper and could replace old computers with energy star certified computers.  Using recommendations from the EPA and DOE, the Sustainable Business Development Group analyzed the sales and marketing cycle and developed a process to eliminate waste by using modern software, hardware, and new best practices in sales and marketing.

To reduce corporate dependence on paper, several software programs combined with an increased dependence on paper scanners allow employees get used to transferring all paper records to electronic storage and move forward in a paperless environment.  With the invention of cloud computing, data backup is now more secure than having dozens of closets full of historical records and document collaboration can be done completely online.  Furthermore, as humans become more dependent on PDAs, laptops, and net books, transferring all sales and marketing campaigns to electronic formats will become much more viable.  In fact, corporations that stick to paper for advertising will most likely lose a burgeoning generation of younger consumers that rely heavily on electronic devices for communication.

To reduce corporate dependence on energy, the Sustainable Business Development Group recommends several computers that are certified as Energy Star compliant.

Imagine the possibilities if the vast majority of businesses used Energy Star compliant devices and completely eliminated the use of paper in the sales and marketing cycle.  The Sustainable Business Development Group believes this is not only a possibility, but a competitive advantage for the corporations that make the change; businesses now have the opportunity to increase revenue while making the world a better place.

To learn more about the Sustainable Business Development Group visit: http://greenbdg.com

http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/paper/faqs.htm

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.ShowProductGroup&pgw_code=CO

When most people think of quote sustainability quote I think about installing CFL like bulbs in their home or business, a manufacturing facility that uses renewable energy, or corporate and consumer recycling; the thought of sustainable practices and the sales and marketing cycle rarely come to mind.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), “the average office worker in the US uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year. That’s 4,000,000 tons of copy paper used annually. Office workers in the US generate approximately 2 pounds of paper and paperboard products every day.”Furthermore, ” if all the computers sold in the US meet Energy Star requirements the savings in energy costs will grow to more than $1.5 billion each year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 2 million vehicles.” This presents a tremendous opportunity to “Green” business services in the United States. This is where the Sustainable Business Development Group is a market leader.

The Sustainable Business Development Group is a business development consulting firm that manages the sales and marketing cycle for small to medium-sized businesses. This means that the primary focus of the Sustainable Business Development Group is to create and implement a sales and marketing plan that involves sustainable processes in the business cycle.

The EPA and DOE highlighted a fact that workers in the US use a lot of paper and could replace old computers with Energy Star certified computers. Using recommendations from the EPA and the DOE, the Sustainable Business Development Group analyzed the sales and marketing cycle and developed a process to eliminate waste by using modern software, hardware, and new best practices in sales and marketing.

To reduce corporate dependence on paper, several software programs combined with increased dependence on paper scanners allow employees get used to transferring all paper records to electronic storage and move forward in a paperless environment. With the invention of cloud computing, data backup is now more secure than having dozens of closets full of historical records and document collaboration can be done completely online. Furthermore, as humans become more dependent on PDAs, laptops, and net books, transferring all sales and marketing campaigns to electronic formats will become much more viable. In fact, corporations that stick to paper for advertising will most likely lose a burgeoning generation of younger consumers that rely heavily on electronic devices for communication.

To reduce corporate dependence on energy, the Sustainable Business Development Group recommends several computers that are certified as Energy Star compliant. Imagine the possibilities if the vast majority of businesses used Energy Star compliant devices and completely eliminated the use of paper in the sales and marketing cycle. The Sustainable Business Development Group believes this is not only a possibility, but a competitive advantage for corporations that make the change; small businesses now have the opportunity to increase revenue while making the world a better place.

To learn more about the Sustainable Business Development Group visit: http://greenbdg.com

NEWS RELEASE

Gorilla Sacks Announces Partnership with SunTrust Bank

to Create “Green” Tote Bags

SunTrust Donates 22,000 sq. feet of Recycled Vinyl Materials
ATLANTA – August 16, 2010 – Gorilla Sacks is pleased to announce a partnership with SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) to collect and repurpose more than 22,000 sq. feet of used vinyl banners for the production of a line of environmentally-friendly tote bags.

Based in Atlanta, Gorilla Sacks designs and produces a variety of handmade bags and purses from the vinyl material in reclaimed billboards.  The company plans to create a messenger bag, a handbag and an accessories bag out of the SunTrust banners, with additional products under consideration.

Lisa Zawacki, designer and founder of Gorilla Sacks, said, “We’re excited about working with a forward-thinking company like SunTrust to produce memorable and fashionable products while at the same time reducing waste and helping to protect the environment.”

“SunTrust is proud to partner with a local company to create innovative yet practical products out of discarded banners and billboards; what a unique approach to combine art with recycling,” said Denise T. Johnson, senior vice president and director of marketing & planned communications at SunTrust.

This project joins broader SunTrust initiatives to support “greener living” through small changes in everyday activities, from using e-statements to a tree replanting program with the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Gorilla Sacks encourages companies to donate unwanted banners and billboards to prevent nonbiodegradable vinyl materials – which never decompose – from piling up in landfills.  The Gorilla Sacks’ team uses a process that cleans and sterilizes the vinyl with non-toxic soap after which they flatten and cut the material into designs.  Each product is handmade by local artisans in Georgia. A portion of the proceeds from each Gorilla Sack sold goes to benefit the Gorilla Haven, a sanctuary for zoo gorillas.

Gorilla Sacks items can be purchased online at www.gorillasacks.com and from independent boutiques across the United States, such as Twelve Boutique in Atlanta.

About SunTrust Banks, Inc.

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of June 30, 2010, SunTrust had total assets of $170.7 billion and total deposits of $118.7 billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, investment management, equipment leasing and investment banking services. SunTrust’s Internet address is suntrust.com

About Gorilla Sacks

Gorilla Sacks is an Atlanta-based company that has reclaimed more than 500 vinyl billboards  from around the country. The artisans employed by the company are families in North Georgia, and each bag is hand-sewn. A portion of the proceeds from each Gorilla Sack sold goes to benefit the Gorilla Haven, a sanctuary for zoo gorillas. Gorilla Sacks makes handbags, laundry bags, messenger bags, totes and slings, all durable, functional and affordable. Because vinyl is designed to last, each bag is truly “gorilla tough.” For more information, visit www.gorillasacks.com.

CONTACT:

Lisa Zawacki, Gorilla Sacks, zawacki@gorillasacks.com or 404.723.3518

Cookerly PR, Ada Hatzios, ada@cookerly.com or 404.419.9234