In my recent article in Guardian Sustainable Business, I discuss how companies are viewing sustainable packaging options through a different lens.

Contracting in the cloud makes sense in many markets, but it is especially pertinent to healthcare providers and insurers who see their clients reap the benefits of a cleaner, greener environment.

The non-profit ForestEthics ranked twelve financial and communications firms after gauging how their operations—especially those pesky mailers—affected forests. Sprint was the clear leader.

Last week Kimberly-Clark and WWF announced the paper consumer products giant’s expanded efforts to curb illegal logging and increase ethical sourcing of paper in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

PUMA has introduced a compostable bag made from cornstarch that can decompose in three months, or even in a few minutes if dissolved in water.

So corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be influenced by the proxy ballot box–look for more of this in the future as Yum! Brands has eliminated paper receipts laced with BPA.

Google recently sent cards to Adsense consumers and prospects that not only were made of recycled paper, but they were also embedded with wildflower seeds. The idea is that instead of tossing the card into the recycling bin or trash, consumers will wet the card and bury it in their yard instead.

There is a small but growing movement to push for books on recycled or responsibly forested land, using only soy ink and other materials that are sustainable, “green,” eco-friendly, whatever your choice of words may be.

For here, to go, or reuse? By 2011, KFC claims that the company will reduce the use of foam by over 60% and total plastic use by 17%. Part of the push will be an introduction of reusable packaging. Currently 60% of its restaurants serve some of its sides in colorful plastic containers—all restaurants will feature them by next year. The company hopes that customers will reuse, and eventually, recycle, the containers.

The Women in Green Forum got it right, especially during yesterday’s panel on consumer products and packaging. The emphasis was on packaging. The panel offered a balance of industry associations, manufacturers, and advocates. Valid points were brought up on all sides, and due to time constraints, the discussion was not as vibrant as we would have liked, but thought provoking nonetheless.