Home Depot, Conoco make big eco-announcements
Big news from big companies: Conoco is entering the biofuels biz, and Home Depot is launching a green-labeling program that could become the largest in the U.S. First, the fuel: partnering with meat giant Tyson Foods, Conoco will make biodiesel from animal fat. The companies hope to introduce the fuel in the Midwest later this year, aiming to churn out 175 million gallons annually within a few years. "That doesn't sound like much, but it's very significant," says Conoco CEO Jim Mulva. "In a tight market, every incremental increase helps improve supply availability and reduces retail-price pressure." Meanwhile, DIY paradise Home Depot will paste an "Eco Options" label on nearly 3,000 greener products at its sprawling stores, a total that could grow to 6,000 products by 2009. "People hear about the environment ... but at the end of the day they don't know what to do," says Ron Jarvis, VP of environmental innovation. "We see educating the consumer as being the highest impact of this process."
straight to the source: The New York Times, Michael Barbaro, 17 Apr 2007
straight to the source: Houston Chronicle, Associated Press, John Porretto, 16 Apr 2007
see also, in Grist: Conoco Your Own Way
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Pandu Posted 4:14 am
17 Apr 2007
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marylounoble Posted 5:00 pm
17 Apr 2007
Marylou Noble
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Brownbag Posted 11:04 pm
17 Apr 2007
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tboggia Posted 10:23 am
18 Apr 2007
I have some issues with that article which I would love to have someone answer
1st: There are lots of problems with ethanol production right now because Corn might be almost as energy intensive as oil. Most of our farm animals eat corn (at least that is what I was told), and eating meat is waay more energy intensive than eating vegetables... if this is all correct, how is animal fat biofuel a good alternative to oil?
2nd: Good job Conoco, way to piss of vegetarians and enviros
3rd: What is Home Depot talking about? I would like more details about what they consider to be green. I don't know much about the issue, but last I heard there was a big debate about sustainable forestry labeling.
I am always down for big businesses taking responsibility and I have always rooted for those that do, but these two examples sound a lot like PR campaigns rather than real commitments.
Tommaso
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spirit4earth Posted 12:08 am
24 Apr 2007
Every bit of participation in the chain of abuse flows back to the source. And at the source, there is nothing but suffering...the suffering of the animals and the suffering of the planet.
Claudia
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edwa8511 Posted 1:36 am
24 Apr 2007
There is a difference between environmentally responsible, an environmentalist, and a vegetarian.
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