Archive for July, 2008
Video Interview with Michael Dwork, CEO, VerTerra
July 24th, 2008 by Patrick DominguezCompostable Dinnerware - Made from Fallen Leaves
In this interview, VerTerra CEO Michael Dwork shares how he came up with the idea for VerTerra’s compostable dinnerware while traveling in Asia, and behind-the-scenes details of how they produce sustainable products.
VerTerra produces compostable dinnerware (such as plates and bowls) made from just fallen leaves and water pressure. No chemicals are used (such as coatings, glues, plastics) and no trees are cut down. And no recycling is needed, since the products are made of leaves - they are biodegradable and the material used naturally returns to the earth within 2 months.
In addition to reducing waste and energy use, they offer fair-wage jobs to the many people they employ in developing countries in Asia where the leaves are sourced.
Last but not least - VerTerra’s products are very attractive and stylish! These amazing products are a great way to help “green” your next event.
Interview with Clare Harris, Editor, New Consumer Magazine
July 7th, 2008 by Patrick Dominguez
New Consumer, a UK-based magazine and web site, helps people around the world channel their purchasing power choices and actions to make a difference through ethical living and support of fair trade. Top-notch content (passionate, irreverent, positive and fun) and a strong commitment to their values are two linchpins of New Consumer’s success.
New Consumer’s Editor Clare Harris takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the business and editorial strategies that guide New Consumer’s successful growth.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
- Note how clear New Consumer is about what strategies they are using to attract and grow their audience. (Do you have a clear plan for growing your business?)
- The power of partnerships to spread word-of-mouth
- What New Consumer does to provide an antidote to “green fatigue”
- Where to find out about vegetarian and fair trade condoms!
LISTEN NOW (press play below)
TRANSCRIPT
Patrick Dominguez: This is Patrick Dominguez with Green Business Innovators and I am interviewing the editor of New Consumer, Clare Harris. Thank you, Clare for agreeing to do this interview.
Clare Harris: Thank You.
Patrick Dominguez: Clare, to get started why don’t you tell us about New Consumer.
Clare Harris: Well, New Consumer started out about 5 years ago and it was originally set up as a publication that reflected the growth of the fair trade movement in the UK. And we covered a whole range of fair trade issues, what new products were out there, what the effect on producers was, and since then we have grown with the sector to cover all areas of ethical living, whether that’s organics, eco-electricity, whether it’s fair trade products. So, we have widened partly in response to the fact that the more people are aware of shopping ethically and want to shop ethically. There is an appetite for knowledge out there.