The questions cover every step in the life of a product, from raw-material production to manufacturing, shipping, and even disposal. For instance, Levi’s gets points for having a recycling program that lets consumers drop off their old jeans at Goodwill, and Timberland earns points for using leather tanneries that have wastewater-purifying systems. Points are lost for using bulky packing material or transporting goods long distances. The Eco Index also includes estimates of how consumers will wash and eventually dispose of their clothes. Some of the points are awarded for changes with questionable impact. For example, Levi’s gets credit for its care tags that ask consumers to wash their jeans in cold water, line-dry and donate to Goodwill. These are all reviewed and given a percentage of a perfect score.
Friday, October 29, 2010
1. What is an Eco Index? How does the system work, and how are scores assigned?
An Eco Index is a a way to benchmark and measure their environmental footprint, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and make informed sourcing and product life cycle decisions. This system allows companies to see their "footprint" by analyzing how materials, packaging, product manufacturing & assembly, transport & distribution, use & service, and the end of life effect the surround area in ways like land use intensity, water, waste, biodiversity, chemistry/toxins (to people and the environment) and energy use.
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Though the Eco-Index is a start to making more companies environmentally-conscious, it still needs work. The Wall Street Journal Article, "How Green Are Your Jeans", states: "Participants also say the survey involves a lot of estimates and isn’t as detailed as it could be, a result of the many types of products and brands it covers. All the information is self-reported, and the companies don’t have to provide proof." However, as more work is done to improve this method, I think that the Eco-Index will be an efficient way to rate which companies are making eco-friendly efforts.
***Credit to Cammy's post goes to the Wall Street Journal Article, "How Green Are Your Jeans"
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