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Ever Wonder...
- General Questions
- Production/Process Questions
- Health and Safety Questions
- Questions about Raw Materials
- Volunteer/Philanthropy Questions
- Answering Rumors
General Questions
Where does a commitment to the environment, safety and health fit into SC Johnson's business plan? Right at the top! Our sustainability plan is one of eight key business objectives in our five-year strategic plan.
What recognition has SC Johnson received for environmental leadership? Over the years, SC Johnson has received Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership, the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, the first-ever Lifetime Atmospheric Achievement Award from the U.S. EPA for protecting both the ozone layer and climate, the Governor's Award for Excellence in Environmental Performance in Wisconsin, and the Gold Medal for International Corporate Environmental Achievement from the World Environment Centre — to name just a few. View more Awards & Recognition that SC Johnson has received.
Production/Process Questions
What is biofuel or biomass?
Biofuel is any fuel that comes from living or once-living organisms, such as plants, corn or soy beans. Biomass is the biological material that is used as fuel.
What is the Climate Leaders program?
It's the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's partnership with industry to help companies develop long-term, comprehensive climate change strategies. Visit the Climate Leaders web site at www.epa.gov/climateleaders.
What is cogeneration?
It's the production of two forms of energy, such as electricity and steam, through combustion. For SC Johnson's Waxdale manufacturing plant in the United States, it's the combustion of methane gas from a public landfill — a form of green energy.
What is eco-efficiency?
It's using fewer, more efficient materials for more performance with less overall waste, risk and cost.
What is green energy?
It's environmentally friendly sources of power and energy, typically renewable or non-polluting energy sources such as wind power, solar power, biomas power or hydro power.
What is greenhouse gas?
It's components in the atmosphere that contribute to the warming of the planet. Many greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, occur naturally. But these can be increased by human activities. Too much greenhouse gas leads to increased warming of the planet because at higher concentrations they trap the sun's heat.
What is sustainability?
It means to operate today in a way that doesn't compromise the needs of future generations.
Health and Safety Questions
What process do you have to understand the environmental impact of your products? At SC Johnson, we use the patented Greenlist™ process to help our scientists understand the impact of different raw materials and make choices that protect the planet and its people while maintaining the high performance of our products. Greenlist™ has been recognized in numerous forums including receiving two Presidential awards. In addition, we work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in its Design for the Environment program, which promotes innovative products, technologies and practices that benefit human health and the environment.
Where are your manufacturer safety data sheets available to consumers? They are easily accessible on the Internet. MSDS sheets for the United States can be found on http://www.scjohnson.com. Raw material information for Europe and Norway can be found at http://www.scjproducts.info. Information about SC Johnson products in other countries can be found by visiting http://www.scjohnson.com and selecting the country.
What is your hurdle for when to stop using a questionable raw material? At SC Johnson, the Greenlist™ process includes rating each raw material from a 3 to a 0. An ingredient with a 3 rating is considered "Best," 2 is "Better," 1 is "Acceptable" and 0-rated materials are used only on a limited, approved basis. When making a formula decision, our scientists are always trying to achieve a Greenlist™ score that is as good or better than existing products. If we can find a reasonable alternative to a lower-rated material, we'll use a higher-rated one instead. This process helps SC Johnson go beyond regulatory requirements to continually make our products better.
What materials have you stopped using on a global basis in recent years? In the last five years we have stopped using paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) in toilet products, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorine-based packaging in our packaging, and the insecticides DDVP and propoxur.
Where does a commitment to the environment, safety and health fit into your business plan? Right at the top! Our sustainability plan is one of eight key business objectives in our five-year strategic plan.
What recognition have you received for environmental leadership? Over the years, SC Johnson has received the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership, the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, the first-ever Lifetime Atmospheric Achievement Award from the U.S. EPA for protecting both the ozone layer and climate, the Governor's Award for Excellence in Environmental Performance in Wisconsin, and the Gold Medal for International Corporate Environmental Achievement from the World Environment Centre — to name just a few. Visit our Awards & Recognitions page.
Questions About Raw Materials
What is DEET and why is it important?
DEET is the active chemical ingredient used in many insect repellents. It is highly effective at repelling pests such as mosquitoes, which may carry diseases such as malaria, dengue and West Nile Virus, and ticks that may carry Lyme disease. It is recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SC Johnson offers products containing from four percent DEET to 98 percent. The higher the percentage of DEET in a repellent, the longer the protection lasts.
Does DEET present a health risk?
DEET was registered in the United States for general public use in 1957 and has been applied many billions of times by people for 50 years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that using DEET does not present a significant health concern. When used as directed, DEET can be used on children. Always read and follow label directions.
What is pyrethrum?
Pyrethrum, or "py" is an ingredient extracted and processed from the chrysanthemum flower. The insecticide components of py, called pyrethrins, are contained in the flower's seeds and are extracted for use in insecticide formulations. SC Johnson produces a variety of household insecticide products under the
Raid®
and
Baygon®
brands in Europe, Asia and Latin America that use py.
Why are pesticides important?
Some pesticides are important, because they help protect you from pests that can carry dangerous diseases like malaria and dengue. SC Johnson is a responsible provider of effective pesticides that help keep families protected from indoor and outdoor pest-related health risks. The Greenlist™ environmental classification process helps us ensure that, like all SC Johnson products, our pesticides are designed to protect the planet and its people while maintaining the high performance of our products.
What is West Nile Virus, and do SC Johnson products repel mosquitos that may carry the disease?
West Nile Virus is a strain of encephalitis, a serious and sometimes deadly viral disease that can be carried by mosquitoes. The symptoms of West Nile resemble the flu and can include headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting, and muscle aches. Since West Nile Virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes, using effective insect repellents offers good protection. Apply an insect repellent before outdoor activities, especially during peak mosquito times such as dawn and dusk in the summer.
How are SC Johnson pest control products developed?
We operate the world's largest urban entomology research center in Racine, Wisconsin. The insects commonly studied at our center are cockroaches, stable flies, fleas, spiders, wasps, mosquitoes, house flies, hornets, ants, crickets, earwigs, centipedes, millipedes and clothes moths. By having these insects in our labs, we can develop and test insect control products right on the spot. When product development reaches an advanced stage, products are tested in the field where insects occur naturally.
Volunteer/Philanthropy Questions
How can I make sure my charitable contributions are effective?
We've all been there — caught on the phone by someone soliciting contributions, and wondering if it's a legitimate place to give funds. According to experts, there are a variety of ways to ensure that you choose a deserving organization and that they'll use your money wisely:
- Always research the organization — get detailed information in writing about who an organization is, who they serve and how they spend their funding. Also, ask for its address and telephone number, then call to verify. Ask for a copy of the organization's last annual report.
- Understand how contributions are used — ask how much goes to the program, rather than administration of the charity. Ask what percent is for telemarketing or other promotional costs.
- Watch out for Internet scams — if you are considering an online organization with which you aren't familiar, request written materials or a phone call, and ask a lot of questions rather than simply relying on a slick website. Never respond to unsolicited e-mails.
- Keep records — don't give cash and make sure you get records for your donations, such as a receipt, so you can document your giving at tax time.
- Check with the government — most charitable organizations have to file financial information with the government; if the one you are considering isn't known by your local authorities, ask more questions.
- Give often, give generously — once you determine that a charitable organization is legitimate and deserving of your gift, give generously. There are so many people in need, and you can make a huge difference.
How can I interest my children in volunteerism and philanthropy?
It's never too early to teach a child about the spirit of giving. Here are a few ways to begin the charitable experience:
- Ask for their help when sorting through old clothes, and help your child understand that another child could benefit from the items that no longer fit your child.
- Make a game of collecting canned goods to give to a local food bank — who can find the most in the cupboard, or come up with the most interesting food combination?
- Have your child pick out a toy that's no longer used, and donate it for a child in need.
- Sign up to make a meal for a homeless shelter — even if your children are too young to participate in serving, often you can make it at home and then drop it off to be served.
- Increase your child's allowance while at the same time establishing a tradition of giving 10% of the allowance to a charity the child selects.
- Volunteer as a family.
Answering Rumors
At what level of the company is the decision made to use a 0-rated raw material?
Even though many 0-rated raw materials meet or exceed regulatory requirements, SC Johnson has decided to limit their use, replacing them with raw materials that are more biodegradable and have a better environmental or health profile. Approval of the use of a 0-rated raw material requires approval of our Worldwide Environmental Steering Committee, which is made up of senior management. Limited approval is given only when there is not a viable alternative.
I heard SC Johnson products contain 1.4 dichlorobenzene (1,4 DCB) — is it true?
None of our products contain the chemical ingredient 1,4 DCB. This chemical has been the subject of a study done by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The study, published in the August 2006 issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, suggested exposure to 1,4 DCB (also known as paradichlorobenzene or pDCB) may cause modest reductions in lung function.
Unfortunately in many news reports, images of Glade® air freshener products were used to illustrate the study, leaving viewers with the false impression that Glade® air freshener products contain this ingredient. It does not.
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products. That's why it's so important for us to set the record straight and make it clear that our products do not contain the compound that was under investigation in the recent study. As a matter of fact, none of our products have this ingredient.
When used according to label directions, consumers can continue to use Glade® air fresheners and all of SC Johnson's products with confidence.
Is it true that it is dangerous to use plastics in the microwave?
In 2002, SC Johnson became aware of an e-mail that was being widely circulated, which warned consumers about the alleged dangers of using plastics in the microwave. This e-mail claimed that the combination of fat, high heat and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body, thereby increasing the risk of producing cancerous cells. SC Johnson researched these claims, and it is clear that the information is not only misleading, but also unnecessarily alarms consumers.
When used in the microwave, there is no trace level migration of dioxins from any Saran™ plastic wrap or Ziploc® brand product. This is known because these products are 100 percent dioxin-free. You also should be aware that dioxins can only be formed when chlorine is combined with extremely high temperatures, such as the temperatures generated in waste incinerators. Those incinerators produce temperatures of more than 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, an extreme temperature that even the most powerful consumer microwave ovens are unable to produce.
Saran™ plastic wrap and Ziploc® brand products can be used with confidence when label directions are followed. All Saran™ plastic wrap, Ziploc® brand containers and microwaveable Ziploc® Bags meet the safety requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for temperatures associated with defrosting and reheating food in microwave ovens, as well as room, refrigerator and freezer temperatures.
I read on the Internet that an SC Johnson Glade PlugIns® air freshener product caused a fire at someone's home. Is that true?
No. It's an example of the kind of irresponsible urban legend that gets forwarded around the Internet and disparages brands.
It is important that you know that all of the Glade PlugIns® air freshener products are safe and will not cause fires. The company knows this because Glade PlugIns® air freshener products have been sold for more than 15 years and hundreds of millions of the products are being used safely.
Because SC Johnson is committed to selling safe products, the company thoroughly investigated these rumors. First, it confirmed that no one had contacted SC Johnson to tell the company about these fires or to ask the company to investigate them. Additionally, SC Johnson had a leading fire investigation expert call the fire department representative who is identified in one of the Internet postings. That fireman indicated that he has no evidence that SC Johnson products had caused any fire.
SC Johnson suspects this rumor may be associated with a past SC Johnson voluntary recall of one of its air freshener products, a Glade® Extra Outlet Scented Oil product that was sold for a short period before June 1, 2002. After discovering an assembly error in a small number of that product, SC Johnson implemented a voluntary recall and provided extensive information about the product to the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC). After revising the manufacturing process and thorough testing for proper assembly, the Glade® Scented Oil Extra Outlet product returned to store shelves. SC Johnson has no knowledge of any credible reports of fire related to this product.
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