When it comes to sustainability and insuring humanity’s continued existence on the planet, every little bit helps. In my opinion, though, all bits are NOT created equal!
It is ridiculous that a corporation receives significant recognition for doing the simplest act. Changing the lightbulbs is so junior varsity. In this post, I’m calling out Intradeco Apparel for peacocking the fact that in March of this year they won an award for changing some lightbulbs. Worse yet, they were given the award by a company called P.E. Energy that appears to be so insignificant they can’t maintain a web site (checked 10/04/2009). Now, to their credit, they’ve taken more significant steps toward sustainability by obtaining organic certification for their manufacturing facility in El Salvador. Unfortunately, they forgot to mention who certified them. That’s kinda important.
Companies should be held to a higher standard when it comes to sustainability. For starters, we should expect they’ve done the basics like change lightbulbs and recycle printer and copier paper. They can start bragging when they generate a good chunk of their own electricity from alternative sources or assume responsibility for the sustainability of their entire supply chain.
One of my favorite examples of a company playing pro ball is Ford’s River Rouge plant. Once a toxic waste dump, Ford rehabilitated their truck manufacturing facility into an impressive nature reserve. A 454,000 sq. ft. rooftop garden?! Even Nature is impressed: the birds have found the garden sufficiently suitable to raise their young. There’s an award!
So, I submit the following for your consideration. Which is a better award?
 Intradeco's Energy Conservation Award |
vs. |
 Ford's River Rouge Plant Award |
P.S. If anyone knows someone from Intradeco Apparel, let them know I’m available to help them elevate their game.
