Since the dawn of civilization farmers have saved the seeds spawned by their crops and re-planted them to grow more crops. Such is the natural science of agriculture that has provided food for thousands of years.

That smell in your printer’s production facility no doubt comes from the cocktail of hazardous chemicals typically used in the printing process: inks, cleaning solvents, waste water and sludge that “off-gas” volatile organic compounds associated with eye and lung irritation, dizziness, headaches and even cancer.

Barbecue grills can be problematic for two reasons. First, both charcoal and wood burn “dirty,” producing not only hydrocarbons but also tiny soot particles that pollute the air and can aggravate heart and lung problems.

It might be helpful to first define “socially responsible.” KLD Research & Analytics, a leading research firm that helps investors and investment professionals integrate environmental and social factors into their investment decisions, established the Domini 400 Social Index in 1990.