We’ve compiled the 10 most critical events of 2009 that will shape 2010 and beyond. We’ll be uploading one every other day (or one a day if we can keep up).

No one can argue that 2009 has been a difficult year for everyone, but it also brought significant change in our quest for a more responsible world.

So stay tune and come back for more …

#10: Greenwashing, mother of all green marketing sins.

When Seventh Generation announced Jeffrey Hollender’s stepping down as CEO and the hiring of Chuck Maniscalo to lead the ambitious plans of growing the organization from $150 million in annual sales to $1 billion, I wrote that they should enter the antimicrobial market, one that has been enjoying double figures growth for the last ten years and that a natural partner they should consider was Cleanwell, which has developed a unique non-toxic, pure essential oils antimicrobial technology. Continue Reading »

Can we make it everyday?

It seems 2009 really started yesterday.

Best wishes to all green and sustainability experts and explorers.

In a interview, French President Nicolas Sarkozy told reporters France’s six months presidency of the European Union institutions* will focus on “giving back Europeans a sense of security”, arguing that it is the core precept of the EU that is being questioned by its citizens fearing the effects of globalisation. Climate and environment policies will part of his priorities: He admitted these are the most difficult projects he’ll face noting as the objectives of 20% CO2 emissions reduction and the 20% use of clean energy might be problematic for the countries that have recently joined the EU. He said he’ll also propose an import tax on products manufactured in countries that do not fight climate change to “level off the competitive field with European industries”.

* Each European member states take the helm of the EU for a period of 6 months. Considered very symbolic and often useless by critics, the presidency is often the opportunity to propose institutional change or strengthen them, and to promote a particular project. It is very much a diplomatic exercise as the presidency cannot supersede the European Parliament nor the European Commission.

I’m still learning out how to make this blog functional, the widgets, the plugins, ..

Today is my older brother’s birthday. Not a dad yet but a wonderful uncle. And a very talented photographer.

Joyeux Anniversaire, Henri.