Sure, they use unbleached recycled kraft paper, but many of them are also using complex shapes (the GE lightbulbs in particular) which create waste paper, and glue (which can often make a package unrecyclable).

It seems that being “green” is more of a marketing concern for many (but certainly not all)of the featured products rather than a design ethic, more “Eco-look” than “Eco-friendly”.

“It’s sad that, for a lot of brands “eco friendly” it’s more a communication value (or a fad) than a thing worthy by itself: a way to sell more stuff rather than to make the planet a tad greener. But, on the other hand, maybe with small initiatives like this, the fad gains momentum and becomes a remarkable force of change. Let’s hope!”

I agree with Kanun, however, we (the U.S.) are at least 2 decades behind the rest of the civilized world when it comes to initiatives designed to help ourselves help our planet. Kanun refers to “small initiatives”. That is fine, as long we are content with not keeping up and, in effect reversing progress. We have always accepted “small” initiatives. This doesn’t work. We are at the 11th hour, and achieving critical mass (of stupidity and ignorance). What we, as a nation, have not been able to do (recently), is take a hard stand on anything which will positively affect us. Forget about the 7 generation rule, we cannot come to terms with helping ourselves. Without getting into politics……but if the President or Congress provided a mandate based on intellect and fact, (I realize this may be an oxymoron), and demanded everyone, especially large coporations, follow a recommended guideline for sustainable change, we should follow it. We have too many choices, too many laws which allow too many loopholes. Upon a recent business trip to Scandinavia, I conversed with many people in industry and in the general public. Scandinavia originated the concept of eco-friendly (everything) many years ago. I tried to discuss the concept of renewable resources, personal accountability regarding sustainable practices, etc. Guess what? They had no idea what I was talking about. Why? Because they have been respectfully requested to act responsibly by their leaders to practice a sustainable lifestyle. It has been ingrained into their lives. They no longer have to think about it. The reason they practice this lifestyle is that their leaders have recognized this need over 20 years ago, and acted upon doing what was right – for themselves, for children 7 generations from now, for their country, and for the planet. Very enlightening visit. We need to get off this facade of sustainability and actually come together and DO something about it, for the right reasons, not treat this as a fad, and really force companies to DO something real, without providing lip service through their “green washed” advertisement. ‘Nuf said.