Here's an inspiring David-v-Goliath story: A group of environmental organizations lead by The Center for Health, Environment & Justice have finally succeeded in convincing corporate behemoths including Microsoft and Kaiser Permanente to phase out PVC (polyvinyl chloride, also known as vinyl) from their packaging and product development. This pernicious substance, which is loaded with cancer-causing toxins that harm humans and leech into waste streams, is the second most popular-selling plastic in the world.

The advantage of getting major corporate leaders to shift away from this and other toxic materials is that they, in turn, create demand for safer alternatives that can eventually become more affordable and accessible for the rest of industry. But green groups say the battle doesn't end here. Now they're shifting their efforts to other tech companies such as HP, who are major sources of toxic e-waste..

Image credit: mine-safety.mtu.edu