
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Household product maker Recycline will begin collecting used Brita water filters next year, turning them into toothbrushes, bowls and other items.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Legislators are vowing to continue efforts to ban bisphenol A in certain products after lab tests found the chemical leaches out of a range of microwavable containers.

MISSOULA, Mont. -- The Biomimicry Institute has created an online database and community focused on ideas and solutions inspired by nature.

PackGuide gives an extensive look at issues to consider when designing package to have less of an impact on the environment, with detailed sections looking at designing for reuse, recycling and composting.
Aimed at product designers, packaging designers, marketing managers and procurement managers, the guide's topics include minimizing waste, recovering used packaging and effectively using materials, energy and water.
Two main themes in the guide are balancing eco-design with packaging functionality and looking at the consequences of packaging decisions. Companies must consider more than just how much recycled content they can use; they must think of how different materials and designs affect transportation of goods, energy use and consumer acceptance.
The guide refers to specific U.K. legislation, goals and programs, but the overall message and approaches are applicable anywhere.
Web Site:http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/GG908