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By: mZZ
Business:	Starbucks Coffee Shops	Posted On:	19 Aug 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other - Overpackaging
Review Detail:	I bought coffee and pastries today, I specifically asked for ceramic cups as we were eating in. The pastries were still put into 2 separate bags instead of plates. It would be really nice if you could train your employees to be more environmentally conscious. Please could you provide them with some waste conservation training?

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By: khaiyart
Business:	Kern's Beverages Food & Edibles	Posted On:	4 Aug 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce
Review Detail:	We love the Kern juices (guava, mango) and our friends too. Recently at a party we decided to read the ingredient list as a group to see what makes it so delicious and were shocked to find high fructose corn syrup. My husband ad I have decided to stop buying kern with sadness. Please let us know when you remove this carcinogenic ingredient so we may enjoy those delicious juices again.

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By: mZZ
Business:	Wild Planet Entertainment Toys	Posted On:	9 Jul 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other - Overpackaging
Review Detail:	I bought the Hyperblast toy for my son. I was so impressed that the internal packaging is made from cardboard and not plastic. Thx for thinking of the environment.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Cave & Cheney Insurance	Posted On:	7 Jul 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	Cave and Cheney of Texas mailed an unsolicited offer to the house. Neither the envelope nor the letter had any conspicuous indication of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or the planting of trees. // I urge the company to become proactive immediately with regard to its waste, so that it be a leader in the financial-services industry. For one, every company office should have green-practices advocates who would look for ways to conserve and recycle. It is inexcusable for any company to wait until compelled to do the right thing. Thank you.

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By: mbendorf
Business:	Starbucks Coffee Shops	Posted On:	26 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Recycle
Review Detail:	I read someplace that the US uses the equivalent of 8 million trees annually just for store receipts. With that in mind, I really appreciate that Starbucks usually asks if I want a receipt before printing one out. Wish other retailer would follow suit.

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By: khaiyart
Business:	SummerWinds Nursery mountain view Household	Posted On:	23 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other - Overpackaging
Review Detail:	Summerwinds is running for Mt View 2010 best green business but they sell iceplants - a horribly non native invasive species. I thought they would be better than Home Depot in this respect... This really makes me think twice about shopping here since I'd started frequenting then because they carry more organic and native plants.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	California Department of Motor Vehicles Other	Posted On:	21 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	On June 21, 2010, I received a renewal mailing for my driver's license, from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, "DMV". The enclosed letter told me that I could renew online. I thought that this was a very good option. However, the renewal mailing itself was quite unnecessary and environmentally unsound; if DMV were compelled by statute to mail, it should have sent a postcard on recycled, biodegradable paper, with references to online services and the option to receive a mailing printed on the card in soy ink. Money and trees would have been saved. I ask DMV to count me as a supporter if it needs legislation to make such a move. Also, I ask that DMV ask for e-mail addresses so as to facilitate a transition away from paper. Every DMV office, including headquarters, should have an assistant manager for green practices, who would continually look for every possible way to green the office and the transactions with the public. Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	CareMore Medical	Posted On:	21 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	This is the second message to Caremore, which provides health care for my parents. Today, June 21, two mailings came to the house, one for my father and the other for my mother. Each was an "EOB", "Explanation of Benefits". Caremore's attention to paperwork is commendable, but the paperwork is quite excessive and is going to lead to a major problem for Caremore. Not only is so much paper environmentally unsound, but, also, it is costly. The information in the two mailings today could have been transmitted to me via e-mail. To think that my eighty-seven year-old father with advanced macular degeneration and my eighty year-old mother would benefit from the mailings would be wishful thinking. // Caremore should use biodegrable, recycleable paper with soy ink at all times. The company should not hesitate to have fruit trees planted, not only for the oxygen generated and the carbon sequestered, but, also, because the harvesting and consumption of the fruit could be incorporated into Caremore's wise preventive program. Imagine a health-care company which invites its members to enjoy themselves by picking and eating fruit. // Every Caremore office should have an assistant manager for green practices, somebody who at all times would look for every way possible for the company to be green and who would take the lead in making Caremore a stellar example to American private sector. Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Macula Vision Research Foundation Clubs	Posted On:	21 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	This is my second message to this foundation. Today, June 21, 2010, two mailings came to the house, one to my father and one to me. Each of us received the same mailing, a large newsletter. I repeat what was stated in the first message, namely, that the foundation needs to be more environmentally sensitive. Being sensitive would save money which then could be used for recycled paper which would be biodegradable and on which the text would be printed with soy ink. The foundation is in a position to set a much needed example for other nonprofit organizations and should not hesitate to do so. Thank you.

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By: mZZ
Business:	Starbucks Coffee Shops	Posted On:	21 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other - Overpackaging
Review Detail:	My sister and I went to Starbucks. She asked for 2 pastries, the cashier didn't ask whether we were eating in or wanted the same bag, she automatically bagged them separately. What a waste. please consider training your staff not to be so wasteful - may seem little but given the number of customers you have I bet it makes a huge difference.

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By: khaiyart
Business:	Costco Supermarkets	Posted On:	17 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Recycle
Review Detail:	Woohoo! Costco is recycling and composting now! I first wrote a review on Consumer Change lamenting the waste situation at the sampling stations. http://consumerchange.com/feedbacks/view_business_feedback_list/191 I was impressed by Costco's detailed response on my post -- it further reinforced the positive feeling I had about Costco after learning about how well they treat their workers compared to Walmart. A month ago, I went to Costco and saw that they had placed recycling and composting bins at the tasting stations, and yesterday, I notice, there are even more bins around the warehouse for when you need to dispose of the sampling cups, liners, etc, as you walk around shopping. I am SO SO SO PLEASED I started sampling more again, and even ended up buying the new V8 juices they were offering as samples. Previous to this change, I wouldn't have sampled the product because it would have entailed throwing away paper cups into landfill, but at least now it is composted. It makes for a much more pleasant shopping experience. Oh, and recently I found organic basil plants there. Yay! I was definitely surprised it was organic, but now I am going to keep looking at their plant offerings in case any other organic herbs or veges show up! Kudos, Costco. Looking forward to seeing more green practices at your stores and feeling good frequenting Costco.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	American Express Credit Card	Posted On:	13 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	Another unsolicited mailing came from American Express. Again, no mention of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or the planting of trees. I strongly urge American Express to have a "Green-Practices Advocate" to talk up and compel green practices before any more unsolicited mailings. The alternative is to ignore e-mail like this until a big faux pas result in expensive damage control. Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Southern California Gas Company Utilities	Posted On:	8 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce
Review Detail:	I received an e-mail today. I applaud the Southern California Gas Company for offering to make a donation if I go paperless with regard to billing: "The Gas Company(SM) has teamed up with the California State Parks Foundation to help protect California's magnificent state parks. The Gas Company will donate $5* to the California State Parks Foundation for every customer who goes paperless for this campaign. Paperless online billing is environmentally friendly, secure and a convenient way to receive and pay your bill. ... " // The Gas Company would have done better if this had been a school fundraiser: $5 for every switch to paperless by a family. Why not plan such a fundraiser now and announce in September? // What about people who do not use the Internet or online bill payment? How do we persuade them to go paperless? This could be tied to a school fundraiser. Somebody in the family would be designated to receive the online bill and notify the person. Even better, two family members would receive the online bill, which means that the gas company would have to modify the registration form a bit. // How about online bill payment? To protect the person, a bank can set up a payment account with an agreed-upon amount automatically transferred monthly into that account, in anticipation of coming payments. The payment-account data would be given to the gas company and other entities doing billing online. The harm from any breach of security would be minimal, because a relatively small amount would be in the account at any one time and only certain entities would be authorized to draw from it. // The gas company has a good idea which could become a great idea which others would emulate. Just a little thought and effort, well within the company's ability. Thank you.

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By: mZZ
Business:	Max's Restaurants	Posted On:	1 Jun 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other - Styrofoam
Review Detail:	I was surprised when my leftovers came in a polystyrene box. Polystyrene is a known neuro-toxin and is banned as food container in over 30 cities including San Francisco, Berkeley and Palo Alto. Please consider switching to a more enviromentally friendly container going forward.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	US Bank Banks	Posted On:	29 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	US Bank has replied to recent e-mail, for which I thank the bank. Unfortunately, the problems persist and I cannot understand how a large bank with all its resources can be so very distant from conservation and sustainability. It is no excuse to say that conservation and sustainability have been lost in the transition planning. One does not have to have an MBA with a minor in environmental studies to understand what the salient themes of the day are. // The several unnecessary mailings to date add up to quite an expense, which means that if I were a shareholder, I would be furious over the lost profit. // On May 29, 2010, I received a mailed statement from US Bank about my checking account, transferred from California National Bank, which US Bank had bought. Apart from the absence of any indication of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or the planting of trees, two disheartening facts accompanied the mailing: (1) California National Bank had mailed a similar statement in May and (2) I had begun using US Bank's online banking, making a mailed statement unnecessary. // I do not know what more could be said. Somebody at the bank has to become the proactive green advocate, with sufficient authorization and enthusiasm to nip these unconscionable problems before they become a public-relations liability for the bank. Thank you.

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By: aspafford
Business:	Freecycle Clubs	Posted On:	26 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reuse
Review Detail:	Freecycle is a fabulous organization that makes it easy to pass on useful items to people in your area (or to request items if you're looking for something yourself). I've been able to pass on plywood, grass seed, fertilizer, and spare cleaning supplies -- all products that thrift stores won't take -- that were just sitting the house unused. It's a great way to extend the life of items and contribute to your community at the same time. Highly recommended!

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Macula Vision Research Foundation Clubs	Posted On:	26 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	The Macula Vision Research Foundation does a seminar each year in Los Angeles. We received an announcement in the mail today. There was no indication of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. // It is understandable why the foundation would do a mailing and would use large type, as many of the recipients would have impaired vision and would not be computer savvy. Yes, one cannot give those as reasons not to be environmentally sensitive. // Two possible solutions: (a) have a more environmentally-responsive database: * send e-mail whenever possible, * avoid more than one mailing to an address, * find a way to reduce the needed information so that it fit on the back of a postcard. Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Los Angeles Times Newspapers & Magazines	Posted On:	26 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	I remember that, back in the Seventies, I thought that the LOS ANGELES TIMES ranked with the NEW YORK TIMES in quality. But the times they are achangin'. The LOS ANGELES TIMES, like many newspapers, has competition from online news media. // I received a subscription solicitation from the TIMES today. No mention of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. The TIMES must become aware that extremely wasteful twentieth-century marketing is unacceptable in the twenty-first century. // Instead of spending so much money on unsolicited mailings, the TIMES might do better to invest that money in the next gizmo from a Stanford whiz kid, which means that the TIMES should have a presence on that campus.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	American Express Credit Card	Posted On:	22 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	It is now twelve days later since the post about the mail solicitation from American Express. I have received another mailing from Amex. Same problem, perhaps worse, because, for me to get a second mailing tells me that the Amex promotion is not going as well as the company would like, meaning that a considerable amount of paper has been wasted employing a twentieth-century type of marketing. // Amex has suggestions from the previous post. The question is whether it would see itself as a genuine corporate citizen.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Clubs	Posted On:	17 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	This organization mailed a donation solicitation which, neither on envelope or letter, said anything about recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. To its credit, the organization did not pain us with address labels and was frugal in the use of paper in its mailing; however, these did not make up for the "twentieth century" mailing. // What might work well is if the organization planted trees with every donation, which would serve two purposes: honoring the fallen and improving the environment. Also, it would be good if the organization appointed an "assistant manager for green practices", to ensure that every activity be good for the Earth and good for America.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Yes on 17 Clubs	Posted On:	17 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	We received a mailer at the house today from the "Yes on 17" committee in California. I saw the symbol indicating that the mailer was printed in a union shop, but there was no indication of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. We as individuals and organizations in America tend to be unidimensional, that is, we focus on one issue as if it were not connected to anything else. Just as insurance rates, the subject of Proposition 17, affect everyone, so does the use of paper and ink to send out a "Yes on 17" mailer. This is not the twentieth century, when we thought that we had the luxury to be wasteful because we thought that the planet had the capacity to absorb our waste.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	League of Women Voters of Calif. Education Fund Clubs	Posted On:	17 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	A booklet containing pros and cons on the propositions for the coming June California election was mailed to the house by the League of Women Voters. The League must be applauded for attempting to educate California voters, more so in light of deceptive campaign advertising. // As for the environmental friendliness of the mailing, there was no indication of that other than, perhaps, that the booklet had been printed on newspaper stock. There was no indication of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. Also, I was surprised that there was no reference in large print to the League's "Smart Voter" Web site. // The League would benefit from having an innovations officer, somebody with a mandate to test ideas with local Leagues, in order to both increase voter knowledge and environmental friendliness. (Why an innovations officer? Recently, Common Cause instituted a program by which a donor would not donate until a candidate pledged to abide by certain rules. A variation of that had been put to the League a few years ago, but the program has not been implemented.)

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By: SBWright
Business:	La Quinta Hotels	Posted On:	16 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Other - Styrofoam
Review Detail:	The communal breakfast kitchen uses all styrofoam products. I would suggest switching to paper, and if composting is available in the area, I would suggest offering compostable products. Even better would be to offer ceramic, reusable items. The flow rate of the shower was very high. I would suggest replacing the shower heads with high performance, low-flow shower heads. Aerators could also be inserted into the sink faucets, as well.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Californians Vote Green Clubs	Posted On:	13 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	A nicely-done political mailer came to the house today from "Californians Vote Green". There was a reference to the Forest Stewardship Council in type so small that it BARELY could be read WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS. There was no indication that recycled paper had been used, that the mailer was biodegradable, that soy ink had been used. There was no mention of planting trees or offsetting carbon emission. Californians Vote Green could have done much better. Seeing that Proposition 16 was highlighted, my thought was that this mailer was really by proponents of Proposition 16. The mailer's lack of environmental care might make a person want to vote against Proposition 16.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Verizon Telephone	Posted On:	13 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	A charity which which I work and whose mail I open received an unsolicited mailing from Verizon. I was pleased to see a statement on the envelope, "Our printing supports wind power", with a reference to www.renewablechoice.com. The enclosed literature had the statement "Please Recycle" with the recycle symbol. // It is laudable that Verizon buys carbon offsets which fund wind power, but I do not see how that reduces the number of trees cut down. Also, there is nothing said about recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. Those are directly related to Verizon's mailing and I ask that Verizon directly address those. // Also, Verizon could stand out as an industry leader if it announced that it had appointed an "assistant manager for green practices" for every one of its offices, who could green all activities, from keeping things bright with sunlight to dispensing with disposables. Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	American Express Credit Card	Posted On:	10 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	I received a mail solicitation from American Express for its "Premier Awards Gold Card". There was no mention on the envelope or contents of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. American Express is a major company; its action will lead to action by others. I encourage American Express (a) to use e-mail instead of mail, (b) to set an example of environmental leadership whenever a mailing be necessary, and (c) to appoint in every office a person to be the "assistant manager for green practices", whose job would be to look at every action and find ways to conserve. Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Democratic National Committee Clubs	Posted On:	10 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	My mother received a survey in the mail from the Democratic National Committee. I was pleased that the image for recycled paper appeared on the envelope and on the enclosed letter and survey. At the same time, there was no indication of biodegradability, soy ink or the planting of trees. As for the recycle image, I urge the committee to display it more prominently. // Two additional suggestions: (a) use online surveying as much as possible so that paper be avoided completely and (b) appoint and draw attention to a "vice chair for green practices", whose job would be to continually look for ways to green the DNC and its communications, then tell the public about it. An additional thought for (a): it would be interesting to see how many youth and young adults would survey their parents and grandparents online if the DNC asked their help to do an environmentally-friendly survey. // Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Deluxe for Business Misc	Posted On:	7 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	Deluxe for Business is a large national company with a proud history. Today I received two mailings from the Deluxe office in Lancaster, California. While each mailing was for a different service, the two could have been combined to save paper and money. I looked on the envelopes and the literature, but was unable to find any mention of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees to offset the trees used to make these mailings. // Deluxe helps communities in the areas of education, the arts and human services. Deluxe can be a leader with regard to health and the environment by setting an example for the public and other businesses. Alongside doing eco-friendly mailings, Deluxe might get mention in the WALL STREET JOURNAL by appointing staff to become "assistant managers for green practices", so that somebody in every office be focused on greening every business routine possible. Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Yes on 16 Clubs	Posted On:	7 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Recycle, Other
Review Detail:	There is a vigorous campaign in California in favor of Proposition 16, to be voted by the public on the June ballot. An 8.5" x 11" mailer came to the house today, printed in color on each side on card stock. There was no mention of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees to offset the consumption of trees. // We have a tendency to compartmentalize our lives: we attempt to shine as heroes in one aspect of our lives and fail in others. I ask the "Yes on 16" people to do better, because they can do better, as they have the funds to do so.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Wayne Direct Insurance Services Insurance	Posted On:	4 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Recycle, Other
Review Detail:	I received an unsolicited mailing from Wayne Direct Insurance Services for life insurance. There was nothing in the mailing about recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. // Buying an address list from the California State Bar and then doing a random solicitation belongs to the twentieth century, not the present day. // There are three things which Wayne Direct can do: (1) buy only lists in which the intended recipients' environmental preferences are stated; (2) use paper which is recyled, biodegradable, printed with soy ink and in exchange for which trees have been planted, all of this stated on the paper; (3) appoint for the office an "assistant manager for green practices" who takes to heart her / his responsibilities.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	CareMore Medical	Posted On:	1 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	My parents, both retired, switched in April to CareMore, a health insurer, which provides better coverage for their needs than does Blue Shield. CareMore has incorporated certain efficiencies to cut its costs, but, quite surprisingly, not in its communications with members. // The sales agent gave my parents sizable directories when they signed up. CareMore itself mailed each of my parents sizable directories. Considerable waste in paper and mailing, and no indication of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. // Unfortunately, this inefficiency continues. CareMore can e-mail us and doctors when an authorization is given for a doctor visit, but chooses to mail notices, which, with the envelope and postage, might cost fifty cents more than the labor needed for e-mail. With millions of authorizations going out to members, that fifty cents become a large number. Again, no indication of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. Also, there has been a duplicate authorization, issued by the primary-care physician and the CareMore office. I hope that CareMore immediately institute changes, as it has a computer network with which to track communications with members. // It would be a fine example if CareMore (1) appointed a person in each of its offices and each of its care facilities to be an "assistant manager for green practices", (2) announced this during the summer, and (3) deservedly boasted next Earth Day about the savings.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Boys and Girls Clubs Los Angeles County Alliance Clubs	Posted On:	1 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reduce, Reduce
Review Detail:	Boys and Girls Clubs, like many other nonprofits, has struggled because of the recession. During the last week of April, the Boys and Girls Clubs Los Angeles County Alliance mailed us a donation solicitation. There was no mention of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. Unfortunately, the solicitation included address labels, which we added to the five hundred other address labels from Veterans of Foreign Wars and Paralyzed Veterans of America. It would help all Boys and Girls Clubs, as part of its programs, to have youth become "assistant managers for green practices" at BGC facilities, with the expectation that there would be some savings mixed with education from green living. Also, it would help if Boys and Girls Clubs added a program for families about green living, thereby attracting support from the environment crowd. It might get some headlines if youth planted trees to replace those used for BGC mailings and found alternatives to bottled water and paper plates--such alternatives exist.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Boys and Girls Clubs Los Angeles County Alliance Clubs	Posted On:	1 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Other
Review Detail:	Boys and Girls Clubs provide a good program, but, like many organizations, they are hurting because of the recession. Typically, an organization does not innovate, but, rather, falls back on traditional fundraising, as the Boys and Girls Clubs Los Angeles County Alliance did the last week of April with a mailed donation solicitation to our house. Unfortunately, the organization sent us address labels, which we put in a folder with those from Veterans of Foreign Wars and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	US Bank Banks	Posted On:	1 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	On April 16, a message went to US Bank about greening its communications with customers. US Bank is big; unnecessarily sending two mailings in the place of one results in a huge waste, more so because there is no mention of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. With regard to waste, lightning struck twice, unfortunately. About a week later, a mailing came from US Bank, saying that a Visa card from the old bank was to be replaced by a US Bank Visa card. Then, on April 26, a letter came giving deadlines as to when to redeem points from the old Visa card. Certainly these two mailings could have been combined. Again, there was no mention of recycled paper, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. Interestingly, the envelope of the April 26 mailing had "recycle" printed on the back in a corner, but that is not the same as "printed on 100% recycled paper". US Bank, as a for-profit company, can do much better. Internal coordination should be possible through its computer network. US Bank could and should immediately become a leader; it is time to have a corporate huddle and get a memo out to everyone. And every office, every bank branch, should have an assistant manager for green practices who is obsessive about turning the office or branch into a green showcase, even inviting people to an open house next Earth Day.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Other	Posted On:	1 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	This follows the message to VFW dated April 23, about the organization's donation solicitation to my father. Just a week later, on April 30, the organization sent another mailing. More note pads, more address labels. This time there were birthday and sympathy cards, a pen, and some ribbon included. The additions make for a good change, but, nevertheless, everything in the mailing is wasteful. No indication of recycling, biodegradability, soy ink or planting trees. And could VFW fundraise, saving trees and expense, by arranging for the public to send e-cards? It would be wise for VFW to address these quickly, as "business as usual" is weakening America. Certainly, VFW does not want to be seen as uncaring about the legacy which we leave to coming generations.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Paralyzed Veterans of America	Posted On:	1 May 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse, Other
Review Detail:	My father receives donation solicitations from Paralyzed Veterans of America. Typically, there is a small gift. This time there was a note pad. Veterans of Foreign Wars, also, sends note pads. Our family has more than enough note pads. "The times they are achangin'" The contents of the solicitation should be biodegradable and / or recyclable, and a conspicuous statement should state as much. There should be a large, proud statement that soy ink was used. If PVA looks for home-income opportunities for paralyzed people, there might be an opportunity associated with producing items to remind people to go green. These items could be produced with desktop computers and printers. The charities with which I work would assist in the development of such an opportunity. PVA, like VFW, must make a quick and substantive change in its solicitations. "Business as usual" is hurting America.

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By: Aldenwicker
Business:	Jamba Juice Deli & Fast Food	Posted On:	29 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other - Styrofoam
Review Detail:	Couldn't you use a cup that isn't polystyrene? That's why I go to juice generation instead even though you are much closer!

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By: vanajemian
Business:	United Auto Workers Unions	Posted On:	26 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Recycle, Other
Review Detail:	My father is a retiree of the "UAW", United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. He periodically receives mailings from the union. I am so happy that the UAW REGION 5 REPORT, which is a newspaper mailed to my father, is printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper. At the same time, my father received a letter dated April 14, 2010, because a union representative's name was left out of the newspaper. I ask the UAW to implement two things as quickly as possible: (1) proudly display the eco-friendliness of the newspaper on the front page of every issue and, without hesitation, ask readers the question, "Can you help by telling advertisers and other newspapers that you want them to be green, because green is good for America?" Go so far as to invite readers to report on success in getting others to go green; (2) make a new policy of which all nonprofits and government would be made aware through the news media, namely, that every shop have a green assistant to the shop steward and every office have a "green practices" adviser; with such a person, we would have avoided the mailing mentioned above, perhaps substituting a postcard on recycled paper, which would have saved UAW money. Thank you.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Other	Posted On:	23 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Other
Review Detail:	My father donates to Veterans of Foreign Wars, "VFW", which mails address labels and note pads to donors. However, my father now has five hundred labels, and that pile keeps increasing as VFW continues to mail labels. (Remember Lucille Ball and conveyor belt with nonstop chocolates?) 1. There is NO indication that VFW (a) recycles, (b) reuses, (c) uses biodegradable material or (d) plants saplings in order to offset the trees lost to its mailings. There is a deplorably huge waste. 2. Going green could turn into an opportunity for VFW and the veterans whom it serves: (a) what useful, ecologically-friendly item could VFW insert as it solicits donations via mailings? My charities would help VFW find a substitute for address labels; (b) could veterans participate in the production of that item? (c) could veterans be paid to plant trees or even to grow substances which substitute for paper from trees, as there is quite a variety of substitutes for tree-based paper, like plant starch mixed with water-soluble adhesive? Van Ajemian

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By: elliekehmeier
Business:	Embassy Suites Hotels	Posted On:	22 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Recycle, Other - Styrofoam
Review Detail:	We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Crystal City for 7 nights with our family. Loved the full breakfasts and bowl of fruit in the reception area (encouraging more fresh fruit is great), but we have a few suggestions on environmental stewardship. First, although there was a sign that said that if we hung our towels up they would not be washed, it appeared that all towels were replaced daily. In fact, we left our "do not disturb" sign up two full days just to ensure that the towels and sheets were not washed. Secondly, we saw way too many people taking styrofoam cups for coffee or juice in the morning instead of using the ceramic mugs and glasses. You could make them less available and have a sign up about using the washable mugs; and you could switch to a less polluting form of cup for people who want to take their coffee with them. And I would encourage you to find other ways to reduce trash and overall consumption in the breakfast room. It pains me to think of all the waste multiplied by hundreds of hotels in thousands of cities across the country. At least you use ceramic plates and bowls; many hotels use all paper and plastic! Another suggestion is to have recycling containers in each room for newspapers, other recyclables.

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By: Lucky's Dad
Business:	Pier W Restaurants	Posted On:	22 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other - Overpackaging
Review Detail:	This excellent restaurant provides it's to go items in recyclable paper containers. Thank you!

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By: mZZ
Business:	Orchard Supply Hardware Home Improvement	Posted On:	21 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other
Review Detail:	I went to OSH (Instead of Home Depot) to buy my spring vegetable to plant but none of your tomatoes were organic. I was disappointed and shopped at a local nursery instead. Please consider adding organic plants especially vegetables to your stock.

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By: vanajemian
Business:	US Bank Banks	Posted On:	16 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Recycle
Review Detail:	Recently, US Bank bought out California National Bank. Our families' two accounts transferred to US Bank. 1. US Bank welcomed us with two identical mailings to the same address--much paper which we would NOT read. (Side note. The California Secretary of State, when sending information on ballot propositions, sends ONE book to a household, regardless of the number of voters in the household.) 2. In all that paper, I was hoping to see mention of "100% recycled material" or, even better, "We planted a hundred saplings for every tree used to send this mailing". No such statement, unfortunately. 3. US Bank could have sent us a postcard, telling us that we could find the same information online or we could order by mail. This would have been a HUGE saving in paper and money. 4. If US Bank is constricted by law to send us a mailing, then it should remonstrate with the government. MANY account holders, including yours truly, would gladly sign a petition and defend US Bank if it refused to comply with any wasteful requirement. I am hoping that US Bank immediately set a salient example by implementing the above. I am ready to assist with #4.

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By: mZZ
Business:	Wal-Mart Department Stores	Posted On:	12 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other
Review Detail:	I am not a regular Wal-Mart customer (there isnt one near me) but had heard a lot about WalMart's work towards being sustainable and even invested in some shares to support the cause. I got a chance to go to WalMart when on vacation, to buy some bread and none of the choices were organic. How is it that a company like WalMart who has made such a huge amount of noise regarding going green cannot do something simple to support the environment like stock organic bread? I wont be buying any more Walmart shares

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By: mZZ
Business:	Wyndham Resorts Resorts	Posted On:	12 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reduce
Review Detail:	I just got back from a week's stay at wyndham in Kona. I noted a lot of improvements over my prior Wyndham stays (in other locations): - the resort had a sheet about being green in each guest's room (re need to switch off lights, etc.), - the dishwashing powder was eco-friendly, - the resort also recycles bottles (Or at least they said they did) - they had an owners pot luck at the end of the week so you could use your excess food It would be nice if they also recycled paper. There is a paper recycling facility on the Big Island of Hawaii. The front desk told me I could go there and give them my paper to recycle; it is a shame that Wyndham doesnt facilitate that for guests.

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By: mZZ
Business:	Trader Joe's Supermarkets	Posted On:	12 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other - Overpackaging
Review Detail:	I am delighted to see that the clamshell the organic pears came in, is compostable. Congrats TJ!

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By: danwalter05
Business:	Office Depot Office	Posted On:	8 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Other
Review Detail:	I like that fact that a business built on disposable paper, inks and other products is promoting how to be more green. Thanks Office Depot Web Cafe Presented by: Yalmaz Siddiqui Director of Environmental Strategy, Office Depot Tuesday, April 20th, 4pm (EST) 3pm (CST) How Going Green Can Save You Green & Help You Grow Your Business (40th Anniversary of Earth Day Webinar) * What is green? * The green cost continuum * Specific ways going green can save you money * How to tap into the growing marketplace of green buyers * Small business growth through green - case studies

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By: danwalter05
Business:	Starbucks Coffee Shops	Posted On:	8 Apr 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Reduce, Reuse
Review Detail:	Dear Starbucks, A couple of issues: 1) I asked why the location did not have the iTunes cards. The response was "we are a green location, so we don't waste paper." 2) This location has a large eat-in space and "crowd". The last time I was in every single person was using a disposable cup. I actually asked for a ceramic cup and was told "sorry, we already started using the paper cup. Would you like us to pour your coffee into a ceramic cup and throw the paper away?." It would have been hilarious if it wasn't so dumb. Just think that you guys can do so much better. You have all the tools and don;t seem to use them.

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By: 24jmm
Business:	Santa Clara Convention Center Convention Centers	Posted On:	27 Feb 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Recycle
Review Detail:	I was at Stitches West 2010 on Friday, February 26th. There were trash bins scattered throughout the eating area, but one was so full it was overflowing. The others weren't yet full, but getting there. I noticed the full one had empty food containers and soda cans. Not only was it a mess because the most used trash can was full and overflowing, but it didn't look like cans were going to be recycled since the only visible cans were on top. I did not see a separate receptacle for recycling. If there was and I missed it, that is almost as bad as not having it since I was not the only one missed it.

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By: aspafford
Business:	Sara Lee Food & Edibles, Personal Hygiene	Posted On:	16 Feb 2010
Review:		Review Type:	Recycle
Review Detail:	Thumbs up to Sara Lee for using recyclable bags for their "Hearty & Delicious Sesame Seed buns". I've noticed that at least some of Sara Lee's other brands (like Earthgrains) also use recyclable bags, and I really appreciate that it's part of your corporate philosophy to do so.