Clean Agency http://www.cleanagency.com http://www.cleanagency.com/icon.png Clean Agency http://www.cleanagency.com Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:57:00 -0800 http://www.blazonco.com/ en Clorox launches smartphone app to disclose product ingredients http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clorox-launches-smartphone-app-to-disclose-product-ingredients-to-consumers http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clorox-launches-smartphone-app-to-disclose-product-ingredients-to-consumers#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:57:00 -0800 Candace http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clorox-launches-smartphone-app-to-disclose-product-ingredients-to-consumers Clorox has created an easy way for consumers to get information on the ingredients in their cleaning products, through their smartphones. By downloading Clorox's newly launched smartphone app, consumers can scan a Clorox product UPC code in store and gain instant access to a list of ingredients as well as an explanation of their function in the product.

]]> Clorox has created an easy way for consumers to get information on the ingredients in their cleaning products, through their smartphones. By downloading Clorox's newly launched smartphone app, consumers can scan a Clorox product UPC code in store and gain instant access to a list of ingredients as well as an explanation of their function in the product.

What the app does not do, is provide a rating of the ingredients, or identify any of the potential hazards associated with them. However, with the names of the ingredients easier for consumers to access, interested shoppers can more easily do their own research into the details behind these product ingredients.

Click here for more information and to see a demonstration of the app in action. The app is currently available for iPhone only, and can be downloaded at the iPhone App store. In the near future, Clorox will rolling out the app for other types of smartphones.

 

 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> Green Police http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-green-police http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-green-police#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:19:00 -0800 Alicia http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-green-police Green Police

At Clean Agency we lead our clients in the direction of assessment, verification and transparent reporting of environmental impacts based on international standards. Today consultants in the sustainability space provide the education, software tools and strategy to allow a company to bec...

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At Clean Agency we lead our clients in the direction of assessment, verification and transparent reporting of environmental impacts based on international standards. Today consultants in the sustainability space provide the education, software tools and strategy to allow a company to become more aware of their impacts and transparent with their stakeholders. All of this investment provides trust in a corporate brand that they are making fully substantiated environmental claims.

Based on this approach I can’t help but stop and acknowledge blatant cases of greenwashing. This one is from our local chain of grocery stores, Ralph’s which is owned by Kroger Co. Their current paper grocery bag touts three green features:

“Ralphs Caring for the Environment

Ralphs saved enough energy to power over 1,500 houses for a year.

By recycling cardboard Ralphs keep 80,000 tons of waste out of landfills per year.

Ralph’s paper bags are made from 40% recycled material.”

My major concern is with the first point. There is no reference to the scientific evidence behind this claim. How much energy do they use in all of their stores that could be used for powering houses? Where are they, what kind of fuel are they using? What are they doing to save this energy, and what kind of fuel source are they saving?

Also in reference to the last two claims, most, if not all, major grocery chains recycle their corrugate, and most, if not all, paper bags contain at least a certain percentage of recycled paper. It’s just the industry norm, and Ralph’s is making it seem like they’re going out on a limb to protect our planet through these two activities.   

The fact that this message is being forced onto their customers through grocery bags concerns me. It’s not just a claim they are making on a green website but in their stores to each customer thousands of times of day.

I have searched the web to find a contact I could follow up with at Kroger’s, but emails from their sustainability people bounced back and there is no phone number.

Vague green claims like these confuse consumers and detract attention from companies who are truly making great strides to improve the sustainability of their operations. If Ralph’s was our client, we would encourage them to hold on green marketing until they have taken serious steps toward improving their impact and have something truly substantive to say.



 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> SoCal Ladies in CSR Discuss Supply Chain Transparency to Prevent Human Trafficking http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-socal-ladies-in-csr-discuss-supply-chain-transparency-to-prevent-human-trafficking http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-socal-ladies-in-csr-discuss-supply-chain-transparency-to-prevent-human-trafficking#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:20:00 -0700 Arron http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-socal-ladies-in-csr-discuss-supply-chain-transparency-to-prevent-human-trafficking Candace Hodder, CLEAN project associate, recently attended a meeting of SoCal Ladies in CSR focused on human trafficking and new legislation for California businesses that requires disclosure of specific actions they’ve taken to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their direct supply chains for tangible goods.  Read key takeaways from the meeting and learn how this legislation may impact your business.

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Candace Hodder, CLEAN project associate, recently attended a meeting of SoCal Ladies in CSR, an organization that brings women together to network and share expertise on important issues related to corporate social responsibility. This meeting focused on human trafficking, a labor compliance issue for the business community. Human trafficking is one of the most profitable criminal enterprises in the world generating $32 billion annually (1).

Beginning January 1, 2012 the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act will require California businesses with annual gross receipts exceeding $100 million dollars to disclose specific actions they’ve taken to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their direct supply chains for tangible goods. Companies will be required to publish these actions, or lack thereof, on their corporate websites. 

At first, this issue may seem one step removed from CLEAN’s core work, which focuses more heavily on environmental sustainability. But, in fact, this legislation relates directly to a trend CLEAN has been monitoring carefully for some time now - supply chain transparency.

The SoCal Ladies in CSR speakers, Kim Bick, Independent Counsel with Irell and Manella, and Denise Webster, Trading Law with Fresh & Easy, provided legal and retailer perspectives (respectively) on how this legislation will compel companies to engage directly with their suppliers to gather information on their recruitment practices. To preserve their reputation, proactive companies will also use this opportunity to preferentially select suppliers who show initiative in developing and implementing anti-trafficking and slavery policies.    

For some companies, reaching out to direct suppliers to understand their policies to prevent human trafficking may be simply an extension of dialogue they have already been having on CSR-related issues. For others, this may be the first step taken to discuss responsibility with their suppliers. For all companies, this new legislation underscores the need to map their supply chains and communicate actively with their direct and indirect suppliers. It also provides strong indication that pressure is mounting for companies to be held accountable for the supply chains behind the products they create.

http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_18853703

http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> Volunteers Clear 600,000 lbs of Trash From California Shorelines on Coastal Cleanup Day http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-volunteers-clear-600-000-lbs-of-trash-from-california-shorelines-on-coastal-cleanup-day http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-volunteers-clear-600-000-lbs-of-trash-from-california-shorelines-on-coastal-cleanup-day#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:56:00 -0700 Arron http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-volunteers-clear-600-000-lbs-of-trash-from-california-shorelines-on-coastal-cleanup-day Read more]]>

The results from Coastal Cleanup Day are in! Last Saturday, thousands of volunteers across the state of California removed approximately 600,000 lbs of trash from our shorelines. CLEAN team members Christian, Candace and Shivira participated in the Dockweiler Beach cleanup while Karin joined 400+ volunteers, including 100 students from Orange County, at the Newport Back Bay Conservancy cleanup.  

Some of the most common items found included cigarette butts (despite the fact that smoking is banned on city beaches), food wrappers, plastic bags, and perhaps most problematically, endless bits of Styrofoam. These white bits, broken up and windswept across the beach, are mistaken for food by birds. And, because they're so light and small, these bits of foam are almost impossible to clear from the beach during normal trash collection, or even by a team of dedicated cleanup volunteers. In addition to the small stuff, we also removed some major pieces of trash dumped from the roadway above, including clothes, a bottle of lighter fluid, and a car seat. 

At the Newport Back Bay cleanup, Karin and her team traveled by pontoon to the middle of the Back Bay where equipped with knee high boots and gloves they cleared pieces of Styrofoam, plastic bottles, bottle caps, snack wrappers, and odd items like real estate signs and coolers.  The Newport Back Bay is a Bird Sanctuary so most of her team’s time was spent picking up little pieces of Styrofoam to prevent local birds from eating it. Most of the trash from the Back Bay comes from the 154 square foot watershed that includes Tustin, Irvine, and parts of Santa Ana. The trash comes from the inland communities through storm drains. Photos of the day's activities are available on Facebook.

All in all, we enjoyed volunteering or time and energy to this important cause. This is the 4th year we’ve participated in Coast Cleanup Day and we look forward to next year’s event. We hope you’ll join us in 2012.


http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> Join CLEAN This Saturday for Coastal Cleanup Day! http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-join-clean-this-saturday-for-coastal-cleanup-day- http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-join-clean-this-saturday-for-coastal-cleanup-day-#comments Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:01:00 -0700 Arron http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-join-clean-this-saturday-for-coastal-cleanup-day-

Join us this Saturday (Sept. 17) to help clean up Dockweiler Beach as part of Coastal Clean Up Day. This community service activity is a great way to take action against ocean pollution, while enjoying a lovely morning on the beach. Read this post for more information on how to volunteer.

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Join us this Saturday, September 17th for a day at the beach! For the fourth year in a row, CLEAN team members will participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, an international event that encourages individuals to share the responsibility of keeping our coasts safe and healthy. More than 14,000 volunteers are expected to help clear debris from 60 cleanup sites across Los Angeles County. CLEAN will participate in the Dockweiler cleanup (11999 Vista del Mar, El Segundo, CA 90293) at Beach Tower 55 from 9 am until noon. We invite everyone to join us in taking action against ocean pollution!    

Each year, an estimated 6.4 million tons of litter enter our oceans; 80 percent of which comes from land. Trash tossed in inland creeks, waterways, and storm drains, along with cigarette butts tossed from car windows, and helium balloons released into the sky can eventually find their way into the ocean.  But with your help, we can reduce the amount of trash that makes it to the beach to help preserve it for the wildlife that calls it home and for our future generations to enjoy.

All clean up supplies will be provided, including bags and gloves, but feel free to bring your own reusable materials.

We look forward to connecting with other businesses and community members concerned about the health of our oceans this Saturday. For us, Coast Cleanup Day also provides a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and spend the morning doing something positive for the environment as a team.

For more information on Coast Cleanup Day, visit http://sites.healthebay.org/volunteer/ccd/2011/. To volunteer with CLEAN this Saturday, RSVP to Candace Hodder at chodder@cleanagency.com. Hope to see you on Saturday!

 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> Women in Green Forum 2011 http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-women-in-green-forum-2011 http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-women-in-green-forum-2011#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:51:00 -0700 Arron http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-women-in-green-forum-2011 Read more]]>

Last week I attended the 2nd Annual Women in Green Conference, held at the Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica, CA. One of the most compelling sessions was titled: “A Look Ahead: The Challenges and Opportunities of Financing Clean Technologies and Green Energy.” The session focused on the substantial wealth creation opportunities presented by climate change, primarily in distribution networks and energy generation.


Two other presentations, one a keynote speech by Wahleah Johns from the Black Mesa Water Coalition, and the other a screening of the film “The Right to Breathe” hosted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, focused on the localized pollution created by energy use and transportation within the city of Los Angeles. Both presentations discussed the significant negative health repercussions from escalating energy use and heavy commuting in the city, which are felt by residents the city of LA itself but also by the communities in California and neighboring states from which LA draws its water and power.


Other topics of interest included “smart” grid technology, and the need for feedback loops to provide real-time feedback to businesses and citizens about the details of their energy and water consumption.

Many speakers echoed the sentiment that it was inspirational to have so many ambitious and passionate environmental professionals together in one room, and to have the opportunity to network with other women (and a few men!) who have made substantial contributions to advance sustainability.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> Trend to Watch: Video CSR Reporting http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-trend-to-watch-video-csr-reporting http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-trend-to-watch-video-csr-reporting#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:41:00 -0700 Arron http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-trend-to-watch-video-csr-reporting  


An interesting trend is emerging among some of today’s largest companies looking to broaden the audience for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications. Shortened attention spans, information inundation and busy schedules are driving them to look beyond the traditional written ...

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An interesting trend is emerging among some of today’s largest companies looking to broaden the audience for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications. Shortened attention spans, information inundation and busy schedules are driving them to look beyond the traditional written CSR report by releasing CSR communication in video format. If thoughtfully produced, video CSR reporting can serve as an effective counterbalance to the traditional written report.

The purpose of the CSR report is to communicate a company’s sustainability performance and goals to a broad and varied audience, including customers, employees, the public and other stakeholders. Video CSR reports can be used to further engage these individuals by communicating some of the most important facts in a short, snappy presentation that gives viewers the ability to provide instant feedback. Cisco and Virgin Media are two companies leading this effort.

Cisco’s CSR communications include multiple videos structured into Q&A sessions between the company’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Tae Yoo and its Chairman and CEO John Chambers. This is an effective approach because it presents the company’s vision and performance on sustainability in a conversational and easy-to-understand format. Each video is accompanied by a downloadable transcript for those that prefer paper over video.

Virgin Media’s creative approach to CSR reporting includes video combined with blogs and calls to action that help Virgin Media customers understand how they can help the company achieve its sustainability goals.  Their videos present company information, open a dialogue with stakeholders and visually engage viewers with entertaining and oftentimes humorous content.

As entertaining or engaging as they may be, companies considering video CSR reports must also understand their limitations. Balance is a core principle of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) CSR reporting framework. This means companies must provide an accurate view of the company’s sustainability performance, whether good or bad. Video may not be the ideal mechanism to present information that demonstrates unfavorable performance, and it may not be optimally suited to communicating granular qualitative data. Thus, combining a video report with a traditional written report may be the best approach for now. We don’t rule out the possibility of video-only CSR reports in the future, but a consistent framework may need to be applied to reduce the risk of a company’s CSR story being distilled into selective sound bytes. 

 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> CLEAN Attends Women in Business Awards Luncheon; Seri Recognized as Outstanding Woman in Environment and Energy Efficiency http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clean-attends-women-in-business-awards-luncheon-seri-recognized-as-outstanding-woman-in-environment-and-energy-efficiency http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clean-attends-women-in-business-awards-luncheon-seri-recognized-as-outstanding-woman-in-environment-and-energy-efficiency#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:53:00 -0700 Arron http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clean-attends-women-in-business-awards-luncheon-seri-recognized-as-outstanding-woman-in-environment-and-energy-efficiency Read more]]>

Various members of the CLEAN team recently joined CEO Seri McClendon at the 12th Annual Women in Business Awards Luncheon held at Castaways in Burbank. Seri was honored for her exemplary service to the environment and received this year’s Outstanding Woman in Environment and Energy Efficiency Award. The luncheon was hosted by State Senator Carol Liu and Assembly members Mike Gatto and Anthony Portantino. Ginger Chan, traffic and news reporter for KTLA Los Angeles, emceed the event.

Several guest speakers, including keynote presenter Lisa Stevens, vice president, Wells Fargo Bank, discussed the key role that women play in advancing the efficiency and profitability of businesses in our local community and the importance of recognizing and rewarding leaders like Seri who demonstrate innovation and entrepreneurship, offer sustained and selfless service, and help enhance quality of life for others.

Visit our news page for a complete list of other female business-leaders that were recognized at this event. All of us at CLEAN extend enthusiastic congratulations to Seri on receiving this impressive award!

http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> Supply Chain Verification: Ensuring the Sustainability and Efficient Sourcing of Raw Materials http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-supply-chain-verification-ensuring-the-sustainability-and-efficiency-of-raw-material-sourcing http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-supply-chain-verification-ensuring-the-sustainability-and-efficiency-of-raw-material-sourcing#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:38:00 -0700 Arron http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-supply-chain-verification-ensuring-the-sustainability-and-efficiency-of-raw-material-sourcing  

Consumer product companies are under increased scrutiny regarding the environmental impact of their products. Eco-conscious consumers, environmental groups and regulatory agencies insist on knowing details about the sources and systems used to create a product to ensure minimal negative impact o...

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Consumer product companies are under increased scrutiny regarding the environmental impact of their products. Eco-conscious consumers, environmental groups and regulatory agencies insist on knowing details about the sources and systems used to create a product to ensure minimal negative impact on local communities, natural resources and endangered species. Businesses that maintain a vigilant watch over their product supply chain can significantly reduce their exposure to bad publicity, penalties issued by government organizations and reduced consumer loyalty.

Supply chain verification, the process by which the safety, legality and responsible sourcing of a product’s ingredients are corroborated, can be incredibly complex but can also provide considerable value. To start, companies should perform a risk analysis of products associated with hot button environmental issues like wood/paper, palm oil, fish and beef sourcing.  New technologies like DNA testing and satellite monitoring can facilitate a company’s efforts to trace a product from the shelf to the land. The Forest Legality Alliance, for example, is using those technologies along with fiber analysis to help companies track and detect illegally-sourced fiber in finished paper products. CLEAN recently worked with the Alliance to produce an educational video on this topic.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) can also be a useful tool for companies concerned about the origins of their product materials. Although LCAs don’t typically provide data on sustainable procurement, when performed with sufficient depth and attention to qualitative issues, they can be used to gain a greater understanding of specific social and ecological issues involved with the sourcing and manufacturing of raw materials. These data can then be used to help develop sustainable procurement policies that prevent the destruction of natural resources and promote preservation. Our work with the NewPage Corporation and our involvement in the development of its POTICO project is a good example of the positive return on supply chain verification and a committed focus on sustainable raw material cultivation.

If you’d like to learn more about increasing transparency of a complex supply chain, CLEAN can help. Contact us for details. 

 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/CleanAgency]]> CLEAN CEO Seri McClendon Recognized as Outstanding Woman in Business http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clean-ceo-seri-mcclendon-recognized-as-outstanding-woman-in-business http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clean-ceo-seri-mcclendon-recognized-as-outstanding-woman-in-business#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:31:00 -0700 Arron http://www.cleanagency.com/posts/article/-clean-ceo-seri-mcclendon-recognized-as-outstanding-woman-in-business It’s our great pleasure to announce that our CEO, Seri McClendon has been selected as this year’s most Outstanding Woman in Environment and Energy Efficiency for the 12th Annual Women in Business Awards.

 

]]> It’s our great pleasure to announce that our CEO, Seri McClendon has been selected as this year’s most Outstanding Woman in Environment and Energy Efficiency for the 12th Annual Women in Business Awards.  Seri joins 20 dynamic women who were selected for their excellence in categories ranging from Outstanding Small Businesswoman and Outstanding Nonprofit Executive Director to the Most Inspirational.

Winners will be honored at the 12th Annual Women in Business Legislative Update and Awards Luncheon on July 15th at Castaways in Burbank. The event will be hosted by State Senator Carol Liu and Assembly members Mike Gatto and Anthony Portantino.

We congratulate all the nominees and winners whose work contributes to the greater good of the local business community.

12th Annual Women in Business Award Winners:

 - Outstanding Small Businesswoman - Liza Boubari, Heal Within, Glendale

 - Outstanding Small Businesswoman - Celeste Licea, Platinum Home Financing, Glendale

 - Outstanding Small Businesswoman - Jackie Horrick, Alternative Outfitters, Pasadena

 - Outstanding Corporate Woman - Kim Milstien, Business Development, Glendale Adventist Medical Center

 - Outstanding Non-Profit Executive Directors - Dale Gorman, Kids Community Dental Clinic, Burbank

 - Outstanding Non-Profit Executive Directors - Jennifer DeVoll, Pasadena Community Foundation

 - Outstanding Non-Profit Executive Directors - Mary Donnelly-Crocker, Young & Healthy, Pasadena

 - Tami Ginsburg Award - Elizabeth Bagwell, City of Hope, Duarte

 - Tami Ginsburg Award - Roubina Der Sarkissian, Glenoaks Escrow, Glendale

 - Outstanding Non-Profit Employee - Nicola Keller, Villa Esperanza Services, Pasadena

 - Outstanding Non-Profit Employee - Rev. Zelda Kennedy, All Saints Church, Pasadena

 - Outstanding Junior Businesswoman - Melissa Tyson, DVM, Crown City Veterinary, Pasadena

 - Empowerment Award - Doreen Garcia, Casa de las Amigas, Pasadena

 - Empowerment Award - Robin Goldsworthy, Crescenta Valley Weekly, Glendale

 - Empowerment Award - Dr. Melissa Johnson, Institute for Girls’ Development, Pasadena

 - Most Inspirational Award - Dr. Thelma Reyna, author, Pasadena

 - Woman in Science & Technology - Dr. Katrina Demaris Miller, Family Practice of Glendale Adventist Medical Center

 - Woman in Arts & Entertainment - Susan Bray, Eagle Rock Music Studio

 - Woman in Arts & Entertainment - Claire Roche, Miss Claire’s Music & Dance for Kids,  South Pasadena

 - Woman in Environment/Energy Efficiency - Seri McClendon, Clean Agency, South Pasadena

 - Woman in Environment/Energy Efficiency - Diana Schultz, Cyber-Rain, La Canada Flintridge

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