Only 11 percent of people believe that their government is effectively working on tackling climate change, according to a recent global study by Havis Media. Based on interviews with 11,000 respondents in Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Spain, UK and US, two-thirds of consumers are looking to their brands, not their governments, to find eco-friendly solutions.

Raymour & Flanigan Furniture, with 81 stores in North America, has diverted 16 million pounds of waste from entering landfills. The company’s CEO, Neil Goldberg, recognized their trucks were returning empty after delivery and decided to renovate one of their 41,000 square foot buildings into a recycling center. Cardboard, Styrofoam, pastics, and mixed office paper from their stores and offices are recycled to create new consumer products by other manufacturers.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers won “Innovation of the Year” at the CeBIT computer trade show for their invention of the world’s first zero-watt monitor. All current computer monitors consume a minimal amount of power when placed on stand-by or idle mode. Fujitsu’s zero-watt monitor has a two-position relay switch. When the computer subsides the relay switches to off position, then when the computer signal returns low currents from the computer have sufficient power to turn the monitor on again.

The Natural Resources Defense Council is helping companies go green with their ‘Greening Advisor’. This on-line resource guide provides companies with the information required to reduce their environmental impact.

Canada Post is helping Marketers make smarter decisions when it comes to direct mail at canadapost.ca/green. Some of the suggestions in this nationwide initiative include updating and maintaining accurate databases, choosing socially responsible paper products and inks, downsizing pieces, reducing overruns and taking advantage of electronic communications.