350.org and the Day of Action

Bill McKibben organizes the largest environmental gathering in history.

By Adam Zoltowski

We all know what global warming is. All of us know that it is a severe threat to our future on this planet , and more importantly, our children’s future. However, most of us do not know how to help change things, outside of using canvas bags at the grocery store and riding a bike to work. 

Fashion 2.0

The latest in fashion communication and digital media.

Image: Nick Knight’s images as featured in AnOther Magazine, Autumn/Winter 2009

By Sapna Shah

This year’s London Fashion Week showcased a special exhibition: ‘Fashion Revolution‘ by SHOWstudio. A corresponding website launched by world renowned fashion photographer Nick Knight aims to capture the riveting relationship between fashion and digital media.

Meaningful Design

An introspective look at the value behind design.

Sudanese pots by Kristina Drury

By Diane Ruengsorn
As my company Domestic Aesthetic is planning for 2010, we’re facing the ever-important question of what new products to introduce. As a product designer I should love this part of the process: to feel inspired by all the possibilities, the clean slate and new beginnings.

Valerie Casey: A Leader in Sustainable Design

A closer look at the founder of Designers Accord.

By Erin Weber

I just returned from the Designers Accord Global Summit on Design Education and Sustainability. It was a two-day meeting of the minds organized by Valerie Casey, the founder of Designers Accord.

Design Mind: Amory B. Lovins

Amory B. Lovins, an American Physicist, receives the 2009 Design Mind Award

Photo of Amory B. Lovins by Colin McCullough.

By Adam Zoltowski

Last week was National Design Week and, in New York City, there was much to see and do. It seems as though design is being discussed more now than ever before, as we look for new solutions to many of the complex problems that are rearing their ugly heads.

A Magazine After Our Own Heart

The October issue of Metropolis explores the tools available to eco-architects and designers.

By Erin Weber

Metropolis is one of the favorite magazines among the CATALYST team. The publication engages us with design-savvy content and timely substance. The October 2009 issue, “The Carbon Neutral Imperative,” is particularly interesting

Cashing in at the Recycle Bank

RecycleBank offers homeowners incentives for recycling.
By Holly Burns

Launched in 2004, RecycleBank is a company that gives households incentives, in the form of credit, for participating in the recycling program. This company and its founders, Patrick Fitzgerald and Ron Gonan, are an inspiration to entrepreneurs across the country who are trying to launch their own TBL-aligned companies.

Ever Manifesto: Fashion’s Entry Into the New World of Responsible Luxury

The launch of a new sustainable fashion publication.

Pictured: Amira Fritx for ‘EVER Manifesto 01′ – Edited by Franca Sozzani

by Sapna Shah
This year’s Milan Fashion Week saw an unprecedented debut – Ever Manifesto, the brainchild of Monaco’s Princess Charlotte Casiraghi, Elizabeth von Guttman and Alexia Niedzielski. Aptly launched during the Stella McCartney show, the publication focuses on how ethics play an important role in the luxury industry.

Green: A Dying Trend

A new guide advises professionals how to move from greenwashing to genuine sustainability.

By Ben Knight

In my last Third Thursday post, I touched on the idea of Greenwashing; perhaps I should have written and released this post first. A few months ago, the people of Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) and Futerra Sustainability Communications released the helpful business guide Understanding and Preventing Greenwash (PDF).

Making Green from Green

Eight upcoming lectures about the business side of sustainability.

Our friends at the Columbia Sustainable Business Committee are launching a new program for those of us who want to remain savvy about the quickly evolving landscape of sustainable business practices.  Between October and June they will be hosting one themed, educational event each month.  To make the opportunity even sweeter, you can earn a certificate of attendance by attending six out of the eight events!