Archive for the ‘History Channel’ Category
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Ecover Looks At The Surprisingly Long And Colorful Story Of Recycling
Ecover asks you to imagine the earliest nomadic tribes preparing to pull up stakes before heading to their next place…what to do with the waste left behind? This may have been the beginnings of human efforts to recycle, because it turns out that people all over the world have been engaged in various efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle for centuries! For Americans, recycling history is most closely associated with the environmental movement of the 1970s and the familiar symbol with the three green arrows. The first Earth Day celebration took place in 1970, amid a looming energy crisis and growing concerns about litter, smog and the problems caused by massive generation and disposal of solid waste. However, efforts go as far back as 1776 when America declared its independence from England, and rebels turned to recycling in order to provide material to fight the War of Independence!
Looking farther back into the fascinating story of recycling, and we see that reusing materials was a well-established practice during many difficult times in human struggles when resources were scarce. It seems that people have long understood that indiscriminately tossing things away is not only wasteful, but also bad for human health. For instance in 500 BC, Athens created the first municipal dumps in the Western World and decreed that waste must be disposed of at least one mile from the city’s edge. And during World War I, with major shortages in raw materials, the federal government created the Waste Reclamation Service with the motto “Don’t Waste Waste – Save it.”
Ecover is encouraged by the progress that has been made with recycling – and eager to do our part with innovations like our PlantPlastic packaging. Consider that in 1980, recycling kept 15 million tons of waste out of landfills; a few years ago that figure reached 82 million tons! That’s real progress. Meanwhile, creative programs like RecycleBank, which provides financial incentives to recycle, are making a big difference for our environment.
Of course, there is still more to do, but we can say that history is on our side, showing that recycling is part of the solution and is here to stay!
Photo 1 by Twicepix via Flickr.com
Photo 2 via Wikimedia Commons -
Ecover Explores the History of Massage
The breakfast dishes are in the dishwasher, the last load of laundry is running and the kids are in school … now’s the time to take a moment to relax. Yes, even super-busy moms (and dads!) deserve a rest every once in a while. If you need a break, Ecover recommends treating yourself to one of the world’s oldest forms of relaxation: a massage!
As many historians, holistic practitioners and massage therapists have noted, massage may be the world’s oldest form of medical therapy. People in Eastern cultures such as the Chinese have practiced massage since ancient times. Likewise, the ancient Greeks and Romans found massage to be beneficial for relieving pain. And Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, wrote the following in the 5th Century B.C.: “The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing … for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.”
Today, massage therapy is widely available and is practiced with a variety of methods. Some people prefer the traditional Swedish massage, which involves long smooth strokes, on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil, and others enjoy Shiatsu (Ecover HQ offers a 15 minute shiatsu massage to employees once a month), a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Other types of massage include Thai massage, reflexology and deep tissue massage.
Whichever you choose, after a relaxing or invigorating massage, it’s much easier to get on with your day. So close your eyes, relax, don’t worry about the family (or the environment) for just a few minutes … and enjoy! You deserve it.
Image via Wikimedia.org
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Ecover Comes Clean About Soap’s Fascinating History
Soap has been around for thousands of years, but cleanliness hasn’t always been in fashion. In Medieval Europe, it was actually believed that bathing was unhealthy, and throughout human history filth has had the upper hand. Soap was very scarce and too expensive – Yikes! We shudder at the thought here at Ecover! So we thought we’d take a couple minutes to look at some moments in the history of cleanliness and cleaning innovation.
Even though soap-making was a well established craft by the Middle Ages, the times were notorious for unsanitary living conditions, contributing to the terrible plagues that afflicted Europe in those times. High soap taxes also helped make soap unaffordable for all but the wealthiest people. However, society became more aware and concerned about cleanliness in the 19th century, once theories by Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister and others helped shed light on the role dirt plays in infections and disease.
Then in the 20th century scientists started developing synthetic detergents to replace traditional soaps. During World War I and World War II, there were shortages of animal and vegetable fats used to make soap, prompting a shift to experimenting with petrochemicals. Today, detergents – technically not soap – are typically used for washing clothes, dishes and household surfaces. But many detergents have contained dangerous phosphates, which are damaging to our environment.
That takes us to Ecover and the scientific innovation that has changed the way we clean, with sustainable alternatives to those harsh petrochemical-based detergents. For more than 30 years, we’ve been at the forefront of this effort – developing highly effective plant and mineral-based cleaning products that are phosphate free and have minimal effect on our natural resources! Yes, phosphate free: and now as other detergent companies are working to catch up, Ecover customers have been ahead of the curve for over 30 years, with a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. So bring Ecover home and count on us and our passionate pursuit of harnessing the power of nature to develop more effective, better-for-the-environment “soaps” to help clean up your world!
Photo by Horia Varlan, via Flickr.com
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Getting To Know Ecover CEO Philip Malmberg
Ecover has been around for more than three decades, helping us manage our busy homes with powerful and ecological cleaning solutions. Ecover’s success can be attributed to the inventive people behind the products – including our new CEO, Philip Malmberg. It’s true; Ecover has an outstanding history of helping care for our daily living needs while minimizing the impact on our environment, and Philip Malmberg brings new vitality to the task! Ecover’s Mick Bremans is still on the job too, as Chairman of Ecover International he’ll be able to be engaged in a more active role now, at speaking and panel events.
Mr. Malmberg joined Ecover as CEO in May, 2011. He’s an Ecover “alum,” having worked from 1993 to 2000 as our Finance Director before embarking on other business and financial frontiers. Now with his return to Ecover, he brings 20 years of international experience with a great track record in successful delivery of business objectives – and linking strategy development with implementation. In addition, Mr. Malmberg has impressive credentials in managing complex business processes, business integrations, emerging markets start-ups and mergers & acquisitions.
When not moving Ecover forward and advancing its mission, the father of three daughters enjoys a nice round of golf or a game of tennis (when he can find a free minute)! His dedication to Ecover’s growth and guiding principles helps keep us focused on our mission as we move ahead. So wewelcome Mr. Malmberg back to the Ecover family, and look forward to many successful years together!
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At Ecover, Earth Day Still Inspires After All These Years
There is a great need for the introduction of new values in our society,
where bigger is not necessarily better,
where slower can be faster,
and where less can be more.Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day
Ecover continues to be a proud champion of the values Gaylord Nelson spoke of more than 40 years ago with the founding of Earth Day. Earth Day is also an opportune moment for us to reflect on the parallel trajectories of the environmental movement and Ecover’s own 31-year history of leading the development of ecological cleaning products. What a journey it has been – both for Ecover and the advancement of the Earth Day recognition!
Earth Day was born after a long struggle by many people, not just Nelson, to bring attention to environmental issues. One breakthrough came in 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s haunting book Silent Spring, which chronicled the dangers of the pesticide DDT. And going back even further, preservationist John Muir founded the Sierra Club in 1892.
It’s fantastic how the Earth Day celebration has grown since its first commemoration in 1970, when 20 million environmentally minded demonstrators across the United States took part. This year, more than 77 million people around the globe will participate in Earth Day activities, which take place April 22. This year’s theme is organized around “A Billion Acts of Green” — a pledge that recognizes the power of millions of individuals to live and act sustainably. Ecover, of course, will keep doing our part by helping you do your part – with our plant-based cleaners that work effectively in your busy lifestyle!
Ecover is proud of everyone who participates in this year’s Earth Day events. Let’s work together to fulfill Gaylord Nelson’s vision of a world where “less can be more.” A toast to our Mother Earth on Earth Day 2011!
Photo by LaMenta3, via Flickr.com
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Jerry Adelmann’s Vision is Right Up Ecover’s Alley: Preserving Open Space for Future Generations
Photo by swanskalot via Flickr.com
It was way back in the 1960s when Openlands, a mid-western group of environmentalists whose mission was and is to protect the natural and open spaces of Chicago, northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region, was founded. In 1980 (the same year Ecover was founded) Gerald (Jerry) W. Adelmann joined Openlands. In 1988, Adelmann was appointed to the role of Executive Director and soon after launched the 21st Century Open Space Plan, calling for expanded parklands, greenways, and trails.
Jerry’s vision and leadership, along with his many other conservation and preservation accomplishments, have earned him numerous honors and awards. Most recently, he received Chicago Magazine’s 2010 Green Award (along with Sarah Elizabeth Ippel, founder of a green-focused charter school; Terra Brockman, who works with farmers and ecology; Angela Hurlock, director of a sustainable housing group; and Dan McGowan, who is “greening” a restaurant chain). Chicago magazine recognized Jerry for saving “large swaths of the local landscape for future generations.” They even compared him to one of America ’s first great conservationists of the 20th century, Theodore Roosevelt.
Mr. Adelmann looks outside the typical spaces for green opportunities, not content to just focus on forests and nature preserves. He was quoted by Chicago Magazine as saying, “Cities are not usually thought of as a nature preservation area …Openlands is interested in all the dimensions of green space: urban gardens, prairies, ball fields.”
Ecover would like to add its name to the list of those who recognize and respect Mr. Adelmann’s important work. We thank him for all he’s doing to help in the Midwest and, more significantly, all he is doing to inspire others to preserve land and conserve our natural resources. Way to go, Jerry!
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Ecover Celebrates the Clean Water Act and America’s Ecological Awakening
Nearly 40 years ago, the United States implemented its most significant piece of surface water protectionwith the passing of the Clean Water Act (CWA). At Ecover we view this as a watershed moment in America’s ecological awakening.
Once endangered waterways now provide habitat and recreation thanks to the Clean Water Act.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
In its original form, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 was revolutionary too: but that first major water pollution law turned out to be no match for the impact of the go-go industrial growth and urban sprawl of the 1950s and 60s.
Tumultuous times in the mid ‘60s and early ‘70s brought about many social and political changes, as did the growth of the ecology movement, helping Senator Edmund Muskie to introduce the sweeping changes of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to Congress. In October 1972 it became law, and survived a Presidential veto. (In 1977 there were further amendments and name change to the Clean Water Act.)
CWA Sponsor Edmund Muskie.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
As Ecover was soon poised to do, the country was recognizing the impact of industrial and municipal wastewater. With this regulatory mandate, the EPA and state agencies could investigate and regulate toxic discharges into public waterways. The CWA required uniform, technology-based standards that continued to evolve; urban and agricultural storm water runoff was originally exempted, but science outlined its environmental impact, bringing court challenges and further amendments to the CWA in the 1980s.
Ultimately, the CWA was a serious wake-up call for our nation, as well as a platform for environmentalists to continue broadening their educational reach. Like Ecover’s ongoing research and product development model, clean water standards and have changed the way we live, improving the quality of life we enjoy while leading a generation to a more sustainable existence now – and in the future.
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A Sustainable Lifestyle Continues to Flourish in San Francisco
image via Wikimedia CommonsWhenever we explore people and places on the ecological vanguard, the “city by the bay” always comes to the forefront with its dynamic leadership and standards. San Francisco’s sustainability roots run deep, nurturing a network of private and public activism that Ecover, with our own history of 30 years of innovative ecological efforts, truly appreciates.
Bay area historians trace San Francisco’s sustainable state of mind to the work of naturalist and conservationist John Muir, who co-founded the Sierra Club in 1892. Muir’s writings and tireless campaigning helped steer policies on land management and resource conservation, inspiring countless others including Teddy Roosevelt and the great nature photographer Ansel Adams.
The “Father of our National Parks,” naturalist John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt
at Yosemite National Park (c.1906).Image via Wikimedia Commons
Flash forward 50-some years and we come to what many consider San Francisco’s modern eco-awakening in the youth culture of the 1960s, which helped swayed local sentiment with “Earth first” values. This cultural upheaval inspired many efforts, like those of Chef Alice Waters who pioneered the 1970’s buy-locally-grown movement, and John McConnell’s efforts to recognize a day of ecological education; his intensive lobbying at the 1969 National UNESCO Conference in San Francisco took hold, culminating in the first “Earth Day” observance on April 22, 1970.
In the 21st Century another ecologically sensitive generation continues to fuel progress, from banning plastic bags to mandatory recycling and composting. (The city surpassed an impressive 75% diversion from landfill goal in 2010.) San Francisco also promotes a robust city agency coordination, advancing green building, tourism and business initiatives. It’s easy to see why the city is a green perennial atop most “greenest city” lists.
Not just an icon of the city, the cable car is a low-emission forerunner
to today’s hybrid taxis and incentivized hybrid rental cars.Image via Wikimedia Commons
With their attention to the ecological details and sharing of systems, initiatives and educational programs, you can see why we at Ecover think of San Francisco as a kind of kindred spirit. It is a resource-savvy city, whose people and standards blend commerce with conservation to create an excellent, sustainable lifestyle.
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Ecover Discovers That Atlanta Reconnects and Revitalizes Its Greenspaces
The Atlanta Midtown skyline as seen from Piedmont Park
Image via CNU.org
Masses of new jobs and continuous expansion in housing and workspace development have all provided a collective shot of civic pride during Atlanta’s two-decade growth surge that saw the 20-county metro area balloon to 4 million residents.
But unlike Ecover’s sustainability-balanced business model, Atlanta’s continuous growth showed a serious downside, creating disconnected pockets of development and straining the area’s natural resources. For every acre of tree canopy lost, one acre of impervious surface was added, says the Atlanta Regional Commission.
The City Seal of Atlanta
Image via APG
Fortunately, the City of Atlanta’s phoenix symbol now represents a rising from this unsustainable growth, as private and public stakeholders joined together, developing plans to create, restore and embrace Atlanta’s greenspaces. Atlanta’s Project Greenspace(APG) was created and charged with the “preservation, acquisition and management of open space in Atlanta.” APG’s ecological mandate was included in the city’s economic development plan.
Image via CNU.org
Following public vetting of its plans, APG set to work its business-savvy approach to the green infrastructure of trails and spaces along the Freedom Parkway and Centennial Park, working alongside the high-profile Atlanta Beltline.
Atlanta BeltLine Efforts Photo by Christopher Martin
via Flickr
Atlanta’s Belt Line partnership – a $2.8 billion plan– is adding over 1,200 acres of new parkland space and 33 miles to the City’s multi-use trail system along a 22-mile long BeltLine corridor. The ambitious Belt Line agenda includes cleaner light rail, public art and historic preservation, while featuring sustainable development and set-asides for affordable housing development.
At Ecover, given our ecologically driven mission, we see these environmentally conscious and sustainable community efforts as truly significant. Quality of life depends heavily on our environment and how we interact with it, especially in our large urban spaces. We applaud Atlanta moving forward to a sustainable living agenda that also affords maintaining its hard-fought economic gains.
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Ryan Arnold, Ecover 30 under 30 Grand Prize Winner, Answers Eco Questions Posed by Event Attendees
30 under 30 Grand Prize winner Ryan Arnold with Ecover CEO Mick Bremans
At our eco-fabulous event on November 10th in NYC, we announced our Ecover 30 under 30 grand prize winner, Ryan Arnold. Our guests had some great questions for this green leader, and Ryan answers them below:
Q: In less than 180 characters, tell me your best eco-moment under 30.
R: By far my best eco-moment is being recognized in NYC by ECOVER and participating in a roundtable discussion with great Eco-bloggers.-
Q: How do you use technology in a sustainable way?
R: The main way I use technology for sustainability is twofold: first, I use programs like Google Reader, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay current on the latest news regarding sustainability issues so that I can use that information in my own work. Second, I use the same technology to redistribute that information to my social networks and blogs so that others can use that information in their daily lives without needing to search for it.-
Q: How you get your creative juices going?
R: The best way I stay creative is by staying current on ideas and broad in scope. I’m a person who tries to understand, read and participate in a little bit of everything, and gaining that broad view helps connect the dots between different trends, events, and ideas. Having those dots laid out is enough motivation to get me going on trying to figure out the connections between them.-
Q: What is one thing anyone can do to be green?
R: Being green is not about one single action in my belief, but it is about understanding how you’re actions impact things beyond you’re direct vicinity. If there was one thing someone can do to be “green,” it is acknowledge that each action or purchase has positive and negative consequences beyond what may be tangible in that moment. Considering and valuing those affects I believe will lead most people towards better, more “green” choices.-
Q: What is your favorite color?
R: Orange.-
Q: What inspires you every morning?
R: My wife Jaime, the amazing people I interact with through my career, and the unknown possibilities that lay ahead.-
Q: What lies in store for you future environmental endeavors?
R: I started this journey in environmental work only a short 3 years ago, and I would have never imagined the wonderful path I’ve taken to get where I am now, so for me it’s hard to guess where I am going. I’ve lived by a few ideas, including being diversified in what I do, keeping myself open to new possibilities, and staying dedicated to following my interests, passions, and morals. Those ideas have led me down an exciting and rewarding path so far, and I have no doubt sticking to it will be no different, where ever that path may lead.-
Q: What does green mean to you?
R: For me it means being conscious of your actions and to take a long term view of how those interactions are positively or negatively affecting yourself, others, and the natural capital which we are all dependent on.-
Q: How are your efforts going beyond green washing to address the dilemmas facing our planet given the disposable culture we live in?
R: Though my work efforts don’t directly deal with the disposable culture we live in and is more about conserving direct-use resources such as energy, I would like to put my 2 cents in about the fight against the disposable culture. One of the things that I see that makes changing the disposable culture hard, and why it as a “culture” is so prevalent in our society, is because it is convenient and inexpensive. While this is pretty common knowledge, the solutions I see out there to change disposable behavior usually only address one of these two issues and address them in the wrong way.You cannot fight against a “disposable culture” because being disposable is not a driving value for consumers, cost and convenience are. If you want to stop disposable, you need to find either a “positive” consumer solution such as an equal alternative that fits the product values for that consumer or a “negative” consumer solution that change the values of the original item through something like a tax, ban, social pressure, availability, or consumer liability. The positive solutions are ideal because it is equal-to or better in the consumers eyes and more likely to be adopted, while a negative consumer solution will be met with resistance, and the message of why disposable is an issue may be lost to the common story of “environmentalist forcing us to change something we don’t want to.”
Think “plastic grocery bags” and “bike don’t drive.” These both find heavy resistance with negative consumer solutions such as bans or car-free zones, and neither issue has found a solution to the convenience part of each of them. Green groups can pass out all the cloth bags they want and bike to work weeks can be organized every day, but the majority will not give up convenience even with a great solution to cost.
If you want to get beyond green washing and start making effective change, I believe you need to start understanding what will actually make change, which will not, and which will be met with resistance and lost message. Decide which you causes you want to fight for, which you can design for, and which don’t have a solution that is yet viable.
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Q: What is the role of young people in leading the environmental movement?
R: I think the role for young people in my generation in the environmental movement, and in general for the success of our generation, is to become more educated and more aware of the world we live in. Environmental issues are difficult and in-depth, and are not something that can be addressed with “101 way” solutions. The problems we face, as a society and a generation are complex, interconnected, and will need more attention than a Tweet or a sound bite, but the information for solutions in a lot of ways is out there already. The key is for us to be smart enough to recognize the information that is important, and have the capabilities to make the right long term decisions for all stakeholders.To hear more from Ryan, join him on Twitter or his blog.
Congrats again Ryan! And thank you to everyone who made the 30 under 30 contest a big success!
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