Walmart Blitz - The Movie

The Wal-Mart movie by the maker of "Outfoxed", Robert Greenwald is pointing the finger at the retailing giant. Wal-Mart has been gaining a following of critics accusing it of using less than ethical business dealings. Even a WalMart Blitz by the company did little to change the minds of those that see it as a bully and bad for communities.
The movie "WAL-MART: The High Cost of Low Price" points out that the company destroys many small businesses in the areas it moves to, discriminates against its employees that are either minorities or women, and causes overseas factory workers to put up with bad working conditions.
The official website of the Wal Mart movie states that the feature length documentary "dives into the deeply personal stories and everyday lives of families and communities struggling to fight a goliath. A working mother is forced to turn to public assistance to provide healthcare for her two small children. A Missouri family loses its business after Wal-Mart is given over $2 million to open its doors down the road. A mayor struggles to equip his first responders after Wal-Mart pulls out and relocates just outside the city limits. A community in California unites, takes on the giant, and wins!".
>> Business Ethics News

Google.org Philanthropic Organization

One of the world's largest media companies is also working to contribute to worthy causes worldwide by giving away 1% of earnings. One percent may not sound like much, but when you see that Google earnings are impressive, and increasing at lightening speed, it starts to look like a big deal. The Internet search engine has already been giving away free advertising to many charities and non-profit organizations worldwide, giving away more than $33 million to 450 organizations in 10 countries with their Google Grants program.
Google.org plans to give its technology, talent, and financial contributions to alleviate poverty, seek alternative energies, and help the environment.
The Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have stated that "We hope that someday this institution will eclipse Google itself in overall world impact by ambitiously applying innovation and significant resources to the largest of the world’s problems.".
>> Philanthropy News

Record Oil Profits, Record Gas Prices

Big oil companies have been busy defending their recent big profits. Large oil companies have been reporting record profits while the American public have been paying record prices at the gas pumps.
Oil Company Executives Defend Profits in Appearance before Congress
"Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., made the issue personal, noting that the executives were reaping multimillion-dollar bonuses on top of multimillion-dollar salaries as "working people struggle" to pay for gasoline and face the specter of soaring home heating bills this winter. "Your sacrifice appears to be nothing," Boxer told the executives." ENN
Hence the need for ACTION in the hybrid car industry. They have to become the norm rather than the novelty exception that they currently are.
>> Business Ethics

Green Cafe Tips

The ReNew magazine in Australia published a story on cafes / restaurants and how they make simple changes to the way they operate to save money on electricity, water, and waste.. and help the environment! EcoEdge officer Kerry Archer went around and assessed several small businesses and gave them advice on how to change, and measured the changes, putting dollar figures on the savings.
Here's a listing of cafes and restaurants that were involved, with reports on each business.
Top Ten Energy Saving Tips for Small Businesses

1. Lighting - Changing over to energy saving bulbs.
2. Fridges - Putting timers on fridges that have non-perishables like soft drinks, and choosing energy efficient fridges when first buying them.
3. Hot Water - Use gas rather than electricity.
4. Dish washers - Make sure they're full.. and use a domestic dishwasher rather than a commercial one if it is possible.
5. Heating and Cooling - Use natural ventilation and fans where possible. Keep doors closed and use a thermostat when using an air conditioner or heater.
6. Gas Appliances - Anything that uses gas, rather than electricity is better.
7. Water - Use tap aerators and think about using a rainwater tank or greywater tank if possible.
8. Waste - Use less, reuse, and recycle wherever possible.
9. Transport - Walk if possible, ride a bike, or use public transport. Encourage workers to do the same with car free days, or providing change rooms for those that ride/walk, or public transport tickets.
10. Greenpower - Use renewable energy! Install solar panel where possible and get your power supplied by companies that us renewable energy.

A more detailed list can be seen at the EcoEdge website.