JCPenney the First Retailer to Earn Energy Star Label

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Energy Star” designation is a familiar logo on computer screens and home appliances, but four JCPenney stores in Washington are the first retail buildings to earn the label. Together, the stores cut over 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions yearly, or 35 percent less than other area retail stores.

According to the EPA retail buildings spend the most money on energy, but these four JCPenney stores cut energy bills by almost $250,000 a year through better efficiency.

Burt’s Bees Bought by. . . . Clorox?

File this one under “surprising.” Clorox will purchase Burt’s Bees natural personal care company for $925 million. Burt’s Bees has a long history of sustainability and environmentalism, and its products use natural ingredients like beeswax and essential oils while avoiding artificial fillers and preservatives. The company also uses recycled and recyclable packaging.

The Clorox Company, on the other hand, produces bleach and household cleaners. This purchase marks its entrance into the personal care and green markets. Executives at Clorox say they will take a hands-off approach to managing this company known for pure, natural beauty products.

BP Will Pay Over $60 Million in Environmental Violations

As a result of a 2005 fatal refinery explosion in Texas City and a 2006 crude oil spill in Alaska, BP Products North America, Inc. will pay the highest amount any corporation has ever paid for criminal violations of the Clean Air Act.

The refinery explosion killed 15 people and the oil spill dumped 200,000 gallons of crude oil into the Alaskan environment. BP is also required to spend $400 million on preventative measures like renovations at the refinery and replacement of 16 miles of Alaskan pipeline.