Business and the Environment by Erin Ryan

In a time when the current state of environmental destruction is thrust upon us every time we turn on the TV or open a newspaper, it is no secret that being ‘green’ is big news.

However, with this constant bombardment of information and supposed awareness, it is far too easy to become complacent and meet these warnings with a disinterested stance on the whole subject. Through various media coverage, we are now all too aware of the current circumstance of the world around us, and how it is changing for the worse.

The largest of all environmental issues is that of Global Warming. It is astonishing that currently 150,000 people die annually as a result of climate change. If the rate of climate change continues, it is possible that a third of all land-based species may face extinction in 50 years. When faced with facts like these, it is not as easy to dismiss the effects our lifestyles are having on the earth.

Another hot topic for environmental campaigners is the deforestation of the ancient forests. Over the last 30 years, over 80% of the forestland has been destroyed or degraded. This is having a devastating effect on the people and animals who depend on the forest.

Because of this, it is important that we find renewable sources for the everyday products that we use.

It is a positive sign however, that businesses and providers of everyday items are now complying to ‘green’ standards, and are producing innovative new products to help the ‘save the planet’ cause.

The most interesting of these new developments I have recently come across, is the humble credit card. Although these everyday multiply owned items may not appear to be of any detriment to the environment, they often harness harmful chemicals, which are released during their production and disposal.

The material that the majority of plastic cards are made out of is polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC or vinyl. However there are now more sophisticated credit cards on the market made out of biodegradable materials, which do not harm the environment.

The first company to produce this groundbreaking eco friendly card was a U.S based company called CPI Card Group. They have since launched wooden cards and PLA cards.

PLA cards are the worlds first and only performance plastic cards made from 100% annually renewable resources like corn. With renewable materials readily available, there is no reason for the further production of hazardous plastics that don’t break down and ultimately harm the environment.

Wooden cards have been largely used in the hotel and hospitality industry in replacement of room key cards and security cards. They have proved extremely successful in the places where they are used, and aside from the fact they are ‘green’, they also look pretty stylish too.

It is innovations like these made by big corporations like CPI that are making a difference in the products we use, and the effects on our environment.

More and more businesses are beginning to use green manufacturing initiatives, such as wind power sourced electricity and stringent recycling processes.