NewslineVolume VI, Issue 16 - July 29, 2005The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: CRI Tips Featured on The Housekeeping Channel, Chain Store MagazineCRI was prominently featured recently on The Housekeeping Channel, a website that provides a comprehensive database of information and resources to help households achieve a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, plus news and reviews regarding the latest innovations from the cleaning products industry. CRI was used as the source for a how-to guide on cleaning carpets and the Seal of Approval program was mentioned for cleaning products. In addition, Chain Store Age magazine, a magazine geared towards those in the franchise industry, did a recent feature on Green Floor Care and recommended the use of CRI Green Label approved vacuum cleaners. The article said studies have found that using environmentally preferable cleaning systems and products often results in less illness and absenteeism and fewer workers’ compensation claims. Indoor air quality issues and customers’ increased support of environmentally responsible retailers is another reason retailers are becoming green-savvy. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. CRI Prepares to Begin Testing Extractor EquipmentCertain companies are already committed to having their products tested under the new CRI Seal of Approval program for extractor equipment. Although the official launch is still a few months away, no less than three major companies have already lined up to have their products tested. Any parties interested in submitting products for testing should contact Carroll Turner. Contact Carroll Turner at 706.428.2106. Council Of State Governments Invites CRI ParticipationThe Council of State Governments (CSG) has invited CRI's Jenn Mendez to serve as a member of their Environmental Policy Task Force. CSG is a multibranch organization forecasting policy trends for the community of states, commonwealths and territories on a national and regional basis. CSG alerts state elected and appointed officials to emerging social, economic and political trends; offers innovative state policy responses to rapidly changing conditions; and advocates multistate problem-solving to maximize resources and competitiveness. The Environmental Policy Task Force provides a forum for state leaders from all three branches of government to address challenges presented by changing environmental conditions and work with members of the private sector to develop policies and strategies. Contact Jenn Mendez at 703.875.0634. CRI Quoted in Mexico's Largest NewspaperCRI's Jenn Mendez was recently interviewed by several of Mexico's top publications, including the country's largest newspaper, following her presentation to a group in Mexico City. A total of five favorable stories regarding carpet were published in various media. Mendez is fluent in Spanish. Contact Jenn Mendez at 703.875.0634. Green Group Releases "Body Burden" ReportIn a study released by the activist-driven Environmental Working Group (EWG), researchers detected an average of 200 chemicals in tested blood from the umbilical cords of newborns. Of the total, "76 cause cancer in humans or animals, 94 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 79 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests," says The Palm Beach Post. Chemicals that were found to be "pervasive" include 4,4'-DDE, a byproduct of DDT; the former fungicide hexachlorobenzene; and PFOA and PFOS. However, many chemicals were only detected at extremely low levels at which known adverse health effects may not occur. "A typical EWG study is a pseudo-science ruse meant to scare the ordinary American to death about the food we eat and the air we breathe," says David Martosko, research director at the Center for Consumer Freedom. "They never met a square on the periodic table of elements that they couldn't turn into a sound bite." Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428.2136. Massachusetts Debates Alternative Chemicals StudyMassachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) has vetoed a funding bill passed by the state legislature that would provide $250,000 for a study on potential alternatives to five chemicals, including perchloroethylene and the phthalate DEHP. These substances, along with lead, formaldehyde, and hexavalent chromium, "are linked to a wide array of illnesses and disorders," says The Brookland TAB. The money, if approved, would be earmarked for the Toxics Use Reduction Institute, part of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Democratic lawmakers oppose Romney's decision, and they have begun a campaign to try to override the veto. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428.2136. Environmental Activists Set Up EU Watchdog GroupEnvironmentalists in Europe have set up a new watchdog group to monitor how corporations are lobbying the decision-making process in the European Union (EU). The group, called the Alliance for Transparency and Ethics Regulation (ALTER-EU), claims industry is having "far too much political influence" on legislators, according to the Inter Press Service. One of their alleged examples is the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics industry. "Eight years after the EU started addressing the environmental problems caused by 4.1 million tonnes of PVC plastic waste annually, the PVC industry has succeeded in preventing any real progress," says Jorgo Riss of Greenpeace Europe. The establishment of ALTER-EU also follows environmentalist charges that the industry has unduly influenced the European Commission's decisions on the proposed REACH chemical testing and registration plan. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428.2136. China Announces Plans to Revalue CurrencyChina recently announced it had agreed to revalue its currency and stop linking its value at the fixed rate of the U.S. dollar. The agreement has drawn praise from the Bush administration which has been pushing for the measure, and economists are saying it has the potential to have a far ranging effect on the U.S. economy, including the stabilization and perhaps lowering of the U.S. trade deficit, boosting the fortune of American manufacturers, and making American products more competitive. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. CRI Meetings
* Operating Committee, August 3, 9:00 - 11:00 am CRI Participation in Upcoming Events
* NEOCON East, September 14-15, Baltimore
If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. Check our website calendar for other industry related events |
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