Content about Environment

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Just in time for Earth Day, Fresh & Easy has introduced its private-label household cleaning and paper products.

The retailer's Green Things line, which now is available in stores, features household cleaners that are made with plant-based formulas, are biodegradable and pH-neutral, and also are made without such chemicals as 1,4-dioxane, phosphates, dyes or perfumes.

HARRINGTON PARK, N.J. — United Water and the National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday announced a partnership to encourage people throughout the United States to properly dispose of their unused or expired medications in an environmentally friendly manner.

A major part of the campaign will center around the NCPA's website dedicated to the program — DisposeMyMeds.org — that directs people to their local independent pharmacy where they can drop off their unused medications.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is looking to curb the growing national epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse, according to a plan unveiled Tuesday.

Elements of the plan include expansion of state-based prescription drug monitoring programs, recommendation of convenient and environmentally responsible drug-disposal methods, education and reduction of doctor shopping.

ARDMORE, Pa. — Dropps is looking to offer consumers a 100% zero waste liquid laundry detergent choice.

CLEVELAND — A new collection of gardening kits for kids has entered the market.

Eco Plant Pals are available 18 different styles, including such plants as aloe vera, cactus and more, and feature their own trading card, decal and planters made from corn-based plastic, which are biodegradable and renewable.

Eco Plant Pals currently are available for $2.99 each at 5 Below stores and online at DuneCraft.com.

CINCINNATI — In an effort to reward those that take everyday conservation actions, Procter & Gamble's Future Friendly program has announced a national partnership with Recyclebank.

The announcement follows a successful collaboration between P&G Future Friendly and Recyclebank's Cincinnati division, which enhanced the city's recycling efforts.

INDIANAPOLIS — Mall owner Simon Property Group announced Tuesday that it has completed its first installation of an electric vehicle charging station at one of its shopping centers.

The initial installation has been completed at Simon's Florida Mall in Orlando and will be complete at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, Calif., later in April.

NEW YORK — After Apple began giving consumers the option to receive paperless receipts, it seems that other retailers are following suit, according to published reports.

While it's common knowledge that cutting back on the use of paper has a positive impact on the environment, eco-conscious consumers that would prefer to receive their receipts electronically (via e-mail) now may have more options.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Taking a cue from other beverage makers, Danone Waters of America said it has redesigned its 1.5-liter Evian bottle as part of the company's ongoing effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

The new Evian bottle, which reduces the overall carbon footprint by 32%, remains 100% recyclable while using 11% less weight (down to 28.6 g per bottle). The bottle, the company added, is made of up to 50% recycled PET.

FOSTER CITY, Calif. — FRS Healthy Energy on Tuesday announced the launch of new Healthy Protein and Healthy Energy formulas to be shipped in April.

Both products will be fueled by the patented FRS quercetin formula, the company said. Quercetin, recently granted GRAS — generally recognized as safe — status by the Food and Drug Administration, is the natural energy-boosting antioxidant contained in all FRS products. To date, FRS Healthy Energy products contain the highest level of quercetin (QU995) on the market, the company claimed.

The Obama administration on the official White House website identifies “5 Important Numbers on Health Reform.” These include:

• Zero. The amount consumers would have to pay for premiums, co-insurance or co-payments on any preventive services;

• Fifty. The number of states that now offer insurance options to all people, regardless of any pre-existing conditions;

• One million. The number of doughnut-hole rebate checks mailed to seniors under Part D as of August 2010;