Carbon offsets are rapidly becoming the next Big Green Thing, touted as a promising solution to global warming. For a relatively small price, they offer the chance to “zero out” emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). Methods include tree plantings, renewable energy generation, and other projects that trap carbon or don’t produce it in the first place. When such a balance is achieved, offset subscribers become “carbon neutral.”

When it comes to animal testing, we’ve got just one word: Nope. We don’t like it. We don’t do it. And we think those still engaged in this barbaric practice should stop immediately if not sooner. There are plenty of technologies we can and do use instead to verify the safety of our products, and there’s no excuse whatsoever for torturing bunnies and others in the name of commerce, or anything else for that matter. Frankly, when it comes to animal testing, we’ve got an attitude. And now we’ve got an award to show for it.

We live in a world that loves its computers. But we also need to be aware that most of the digital products we depend on are not so good for the environment. Computers, screens and laptops suck a lot of energy, and sometimes contain toxic materials. To learn how to choose products that are the most environmentally sound, here’s a web site that can help: Meet the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or Epeat for short. The site rates computers, computer screens and laptops on a series of environmental criteria, and gives each a rating.

The mysterious ailment afflicting honeybee colonies throughout the United States and the world is continuing to reduce populations of this vital insect, and bee experts still aren’t sure what’s to blame. That’s the word from the U.S. Agricultural Research Service and the Apiary Inspectors of America, which together have just completed a national survey of beekeepers to gauge how the nation’s honeybee colonies fared over the winter of 2007-08.

By Jeffrey Hollender Chief Inspired Protagonist Seventh Generation

Jeffrey Hollender, Seventh Generation’s President and Chief Inspired Protagonist, is a prolific author and speaker on the subject of sustainability. His blog, www.inspiredprotagonist.com is closely followed by the business community. He is also the author of several books, including What Matters Most and Naturally Clean.