One of the 3Rs seems a little overhyped to me. “Recycle” would only happen when you throw the product away after using it. What if you did not? What if the “Reuse” was preached more?

I think the media is advertising sustainability in the wrong way. I recently read an article which goes in the same line as my thoughts. Recycling requires millions of dollars every year, so why not shift to more permanent alternatives?

Beer bottles could replace cans. The customers could be offered incentives if they returned the bottles. Those bottles can be refilled. Glass pickle jars could be used constantly instead of the plastic jars. Permanent products are more cost-efficient than one-time ones.

Recycling requires energy-consuming machines like furnaces which could be avoided otherwise. To promote the good for environment, we are using up non-renewable fuels.

Think of it like this: we are throwing away plastic plates after eating, because let’s face it- they are plastic. Would we have done the same for chinawares? It would have gone straight to the dishwasher.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/frances-woolley/are-mason-jars-the-model-for-a-sustainable-economy/article2194345/

The first thing we experience of a company with one of our 5 senses is the logo. A logo is essentially a QR code for our head, referring to all the information of that particular company in our head. It is not surprising that extensive R&Ds have to be performed before unveiling one.

As this article suggests, there are so many do’s and don’ts while thinking for logos. For me, a logo should essentially be a simple symmetric collage that should remind me of the company. We are bombarded with so many brandings everyday, it’s hard to distinguish one from them. Thus a logo easy to remember is a clear winner.

A logo does not necessarily need to send a direct message of its operations. It just needs to be a platform. Some firms go through drastic logo changes or jump for the trends, which just creates confusion.

Another thing companies should keep in mind is: Will the design fit into all advertising platforms? Some platforms require an enlarged version. Others (like facebook) need a square avatar. Thus it is strongly suggested to have a versatile logo and one that stays alive through the ages and the change in times.

article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/digital/innovation/keep-your-logo-simple-but-smart/article2025246/

Shale gas, the newest discovery in the long lists of fuel sources, seems to be the talk of the world. As usual, the US seemed to get a headstart in the extraction. But this time China says no.

The lower-carbon is not the motivation behind China’s initiative, but the fact that China has a bigger reserve than USA. It also needs an alternate source because it has been having issues regarding prices with Russia, its primary source of natural gas.

The extraction of shale has been deemed controversial because of the drilling techniques and the impact on the public life and sustainability, and has been banned by a few countries.

I believe China will take over USA in this competition too. The government rules with an iron fist. The consideration of human rights is right at the bottom of the to-do list. China is so determined that it is even willing to incur losses due to low price of natural gas in order to secure domestic supply. The US with its profiteering and  “by the people, for the people” mentality seems to be losing another battle to China’s “Country comes before people” mentality.