Opportunity Green’s 2009 conference on sustainable business kicks off this weekend. Neu Black is proud to support Karen and Mike in this most noble of causes. We all strive to live with less negative impact. Opportunity Green gives us insight into how we might do business in this way. This years line up of speakers includes Julie Gilhart of Barney’s New York and Alexis Madrigal of Wired.com just to name of few. Take this last Opportunity to grab your tickets here.

Indonesian designer Singgih Kartono introduced his sustainable wood radio in 2007. Constructed of responsibly harvested java ebony, mahogany and pine this retro AM/FM radio also touts MP3 compatibility. Kartono places his emphasis on design which promotes ecological sensitivity and enhances the beauty in natural materials. The Magno Wooden Radio is available for $250 here.

Way back in 1860, when Linoleum was invented it was made out of natural materials. Things have changed lot since then. Little by little the manufacturers of the popular floor covering began using PVC to boost durability. Marmolium has boosted the durability of their product while and maintaining the use renewable materials like linseed oil, pine rosins, wood flour, jute and ecologically responsible pigments. The use of non-textile flooring also prevents the spread of dust mites which often contribute to allergies and Marmolium specifically prevents the spread of micro-organisms like Salmonella and Staphylococcus.

By using products which are manufactured using raw natural materials we minimize the impact on the environment and further limit our exposure to the chemicals found in plastics.

Royal Mosa of the Netherlands is spearheading a movement in sustainability. Founded in 1883, today they are the Netherlands leading tile manufacturer. In recent years they have adopted some very impressive standards and have accomplished incredible reductions in key areas. They sum up their boldness in one simple statement, “Our ambition to make the way we do business as sustainable as possible, from cradle to grave, and even from cradle to cradle.”

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