Green for Good

ECO2 (ECOO Quote - Cramer on ECOO - Stock Picks) never has to worry about dirty drains. It is the first recycling company that has eliminated water and harmful chemicals from the process by using a biodegradable organic solvent in conjunction with carbon dioxide.

Essentially, the company eliminates waste and money spent on resources to produce the same quality product.

"We're hoping that this is the holy grail of plastic recycling," says ECO2 CEO Rod Rougelot.

The process was developed in conjunction with Honeywell(HON Quote - Cramer on HON - Stock Picks), and ECO2 has the exclusive worldwide license for the technology, which is going commercial with one California factory opened and 10 more in the works.

"A lot of businesses are finding ways to use higher recycled content," says Rougelot, who asserts that companies can profit by positioning themselves as green drivers.

"But all recycled plastics are not created equal," he adds. As oil prices, the main drivers on virgin (nonrecycled) plastic prices, continue to rise, companies are finding more ways to generate recycled content that doesn't rely on waning resources.

When Rougelot speaks with companies like General Electric(GE Quote - Cramer on GE - Stock Picks), he focuses on the quality of the product and ECO2's ability to produce it.

ECO2 eliminates the same level of contaminants from the plastic as water-based recyclers, but uses dramatically less money and resources. But the real advantage for clients is supply stability.

"If GE needs 100 million pounds of plastic, they want a supplier that will be there for a long time," says Rougelot.

ECO2's high profit margins, which aren't dependent on as many resources, make it a more stable supply chain partner than water-based recyclers. "Wrap it all up in a nice environmental package and why would you ever buy this other [plastic]?" Rougelot asks.

While the products of many green businesses cost more and require more effort, ECO2 is not one of those. As Rougelot says, "We're a very clear example of where green is good."

A Computer in Every Landfill

A computer monitor contains up to seven pounds of lead and has been classified as hazardous waste by the EPA, although some states still let you throw it in the dumpster, says Kory Bostwick, a principal at PC Disposal.

Those who trash PCs illegally not only face fines up to $10,000, but open themselves up to data theft, as information from corporate documents to credit-card purchases can be left on the hard drive.

	Hazardous High-Tech Waste

PC Disposal will not only recycle your computer and the damaging mercury contained within, but also give you and your company peace of mind with top-of-the-class data cleansing.

PC Disposal deals with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and even individuals. Their services range from full, in which employees will come in and pack up the computer for you, to DIY, in which the individual packs up the computer and sends it out to a processing warehouse in Kansas City. Rates range from $9 to $35 per computer.

"Most people have no problem with that," says Bostwick. "If a person is given the opportunity to do the right thing, they will ... but they're also getting data security peace of mind."

---

Enjoy the Good Life? Email us with what you'd like to see in future articles.

« Previous Page

1 2

Next Page »