US Companies Dig Into Coffers To Go Green
US industrial companies are spending heavily on environmentally friendly efforts even as the economic slowdown dents their profits. Fuelling the "green" trend are hopes that products that are made of recyclable materials or use less energy will win praise, forestall onerous regulation and cut rising costs. In particular, oil prices have jumped more than 20 percent this year. "Oil for $116 a barrel is staggering," said Donald Young, a spokesman for the International Facility Management Association professional group. "Companies are forging ahead."