In Wednesday's issue of
The New York Times, Claudia H. Deutsch wrote about the fact that many companies, including retailers, are now "looking at their supply chain as the next frontier for combating climate change." ("For Suppliers, the Pressure Is On," November 7, 2007) She called it "Phase 3 of the greening of corporate America." Wisely this new interest in
carbon footprint had been couched in the
lingua franca of business, with the emphasis being on the efficiencies, particularly in terms of costs, of green operations.
Another piece of "green" news that landed on my desk today was the report in the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune ("Holiday Shoppers Hot for 'Green' Gifts" by Jackie Crosby) that "Minnesotans were embracing earth-friendly holiday giving." According to a survey conducted by Deloitte of Twin Cities-area shoppers, 20 percent "say they plan to purchase an eco-friendly product this holiday season." The survey's definition of eco-friendly included organic items, and goods that use less packaging, contain recycled materials, or incorporate energy conservation. Given the fact that the environment has been a top-of-mind concern for Canadians for the better part of the year, it will be interesting to see whether we have a green Christmas.