hcsteiner’s Recent Comments

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  forget the models

  Target should be praised for its introduction of an affordable, environmentally friendly clothing line, not criticized for the marketing used to sell the goods.  Fashion is a fickle industry, with its own set of deeply-embedded problems related to body image and the essence of real beauty.  Target could not defy all norms associated with fashion, and still expect its new line to be a success.  So, they did what most companies torn between traditional and sustainable business practices would do:  they focused on the important issues and compromised on the peripheral details. Introducing eco-friendly clothing at a low price point is a great opportunity for those with limited incomes to spend their money wisely and responsibly.  And who knows, maybe the models will become so inspired by the natural wear, that they might even resort to the oh-so-natural practice of eating.On Target launches eco-friendly line by Rogan Gregory posted 1 year, 6 months ago 7 Responses

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  shrimp or mangroves

  I spent some time in Ecuador this summer, where it is estimated that 90% of their mangroves and coastal tropical forest have already been cut down.  In addition to the urbanization and road expansion that are driving their destruction, an even larger cause is the creation of coastal shrimp farms.  By building them near enough to the ocean, the tides can flood and drain from the artificial pools, introducing new water and food.  Shrimp is one of Ecuador's largest exports, most of which end up in the United States, and the industry has created many jobs.  Despite the benefits that shrimp farmers and American consumers enjoy, they cannot account for the dangerous level of risk that Ecuador must endure.  As ocean levels rise, Ecuador risks losing their  coastal villages and remaining mangroves, as well as the shrimping industry that motivated mangrove destruction in the first place.On Valuing environmental services saves lives posted 1 year, 6 months ago 5 Responses

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  a step in the right direction

  Never in a million years did I expect to see Nike used as an example of social or environmental responsibility, but there is a first for everything.  All of the negative attention they have received over the years for employing and denying sweatshop labor must have negatively affect profits enough to catch the attention of their directors. While their motivations may be tainted, its a nice thought.On Big biz ranked on greenness posted 1 year, 6 months ago 4 Responses

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  future contract

  The airline industry already participates in such hedging practices, and it can be argued that Southwest Airline's recent success is the result of them signing such an agreement in the past.  They are realizing exception savings compared to competitors, and I think the potential for such savings will soon be realized in a variety of industries.  

  In response to the questions:  I am a poor, indebted college student with about $3000 to my name (and 3 times that in outstanding loans).  I would instantly hand over all of my cash for the opportunity to purchase gas for $2.99 for the next three years, and will even throw in my 1992 Oldsmobile for good measure (worth approximately 87 cents).  I would sell the gas for slightly over my purchase price to low-income families, as they are the ones who are the most affected by gas price increases.  In very little time, I will have earned back my investment and created a positive social return, as well.On How much would you pay for cheap gas? posted 1 year, 6 months ago 3 Responses

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  embracing bicycles

  In the past few months I have stopped using my car and become entirely reliant on my bicycle for transportation.  It requires a little extra planning and flexibility on my part, but overall, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience.  The transition allows me to reduce my ecological footprint, avoid traffic jams and parking problems, and exercise daily without any additional time commitment.  

  I would be thrilled if the US Government followed Hungary's example, and began to actively encourage Americans to ride their bicycles, instead of relying so heavily on cars. It seems like a simple way to decrease demand for oil and increase eco-friendly thinking. They would also need to educate drivers about being more courteous and respectful of their two-wheeled counterparts.On Commute by bike, get lucky posted 1 year, 6 months ago 7 Responses