Seventh Generation turns down tar sands

Seventh Generation will work to eliminate fuel from refineries that use Canadaâ s controversial tar sands throughout its North American logistics network, the company has announced. The perennially top-ranked green products company joins a market trend against tar sands that now includes 16 publicly confirmed actions by major US companies.
â This widening trend of leading American brands against Canadaâ s tar sands is good news for everyone who wants cleaner air and water, healthier communities and forestsâ and clean energy,’said Aaron Sanger of ForestEthics. â It is bad news for those who want to expand the US market for tar sands.â
Part of Seventh Generationâ s new commitment is to work with its primary transportation providers to identify fuels from tar sands refineries and pursue a strategy of continuous improvement toward elimination of these controversial fuels.
â From the beginning, Seventh Generation has believed that reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels is incompatible with a sustainable future. Thatâ s why we believe products derived from plants are better than products made from petroleum. Itâ s also why we have worked hard to reduce the ton-miles our products travel from manufacturer to the store shelf. We have cut fuel use across our logistics network in half over the last 5 years. We believe working towards eliminating fuel from tar sands refineries is the next logical step in our journey to create a more sustainable supply chain and company,’said Chris Miller, manager of Corporate Consciousness for Seventh Generation.
â What Seventh Generation is doing is a great example, along with the actions of many other companies, cities, farmers and workers, of what to do in the face of spiraling fuel prices: Use less fuel, move toward transportation that doesnâ t depend on oil and steer away from tar sands,’said Susan Casey-Lefkowitz of the Natural Resources Defense Council. â More drilling and more pipelines for dirty energy are not in our national interest.â
â Tar sands crude is the dirtiest oil on Earth,’said Kate Colarulli of The Sierra Club. â The public and a growing number of companies have seen through Big Oilâ s lies. Together we are drawing the line and standing firm against this dangerous and destructive oil.â
Seventh Generation is the nationâ s leading brand of household and personal care products that help protect human health and the environment. Established in 1988, the Burlington, Vermont-based company remains an independent, privately-held company distributing products to natural food stores, supermarkets, mass merchants, and online retailers across the United States and Canada.
Source: ForestEthics. 4.10.2012