- Increased recycling efforts, including leftover prepared food to be donated to local charities and churches. In addition, building materials, decoration, office equipment and supplies used to prepare for the game will be donated to nonprofits.
- Renewable energy will be purchased which is estimated to prevent more than 313,000 pounds of CO2 emissions.
- 2,700 trees to be planted to help offset emissions.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Another Green Super Bowl
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Dr. N
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1/31/2009 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: football, green, Super Bowl
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sustainability & Green Business Webinars - February 2009
Here are upcoming sustainability-related webinars offered by a variety of companies. Remember to save the emissions...do it online!
How Should Sustainability be Integrated into the Core Finance Curriculum? (Feb. 4)
How to Green Your Business Travel (Feb. 5)
Office Greening 101 (Feb. 11)
Environmental Sustainability as a Strategic Policy Issue: What Governing Boards Need to Know (Feb. 11)
How to Green Your Meetings (Feb. 12)
Sustainable Business Practices & Strategies (Feb. 17)
Green Purchasing (Feb. 18)
How to Develop an Eco-Purchasing System (Feb. 19)
Sustainability Consulting 101 (Feb. 24)
Carbon Offsetting (Feb. 25)
Sustainability Metrics - The Need to Measure (Feb. 25)
Practical Approaches for Eco-Design (Feb. 25)
How to Create Green Benefits (Feb. 26)
Low Impact Development for Public Works (Feb. 26)
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1/30/2009 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: conference, green business, sustainability, training, webinar
Monday, January 26, 2009
Greener Printing From Your Computer
- Make sure you are using an EnergyStar printer (and computer). You may think this one's a no-brainer and you've got it covered, but wait...did you know that computer standards were revised in 2007 and new printer standards take effect this year? So if your computer is older that 2007 and your printer is older than 2009, it may no longer meet EnergyStar standards, even though it met the standards that were in place at the time it was manufactured. If you should decide to upgrade, don't forget to recycle the old one!
- Change the margins. Read the studies from both Penn State University and Michigan State University. The Penn State study suggested that changing all university printer default margins to .75” (adding 19% more print space to the page) could save the university over $122,000/year and Michigan State estimated a savings of $67,512/year.
- Use paper with recycled content. Although both the Penn State and Michigan State studies found that switching to recycled content paper was more expensive, this has not been the case in my consulting experience. Many businesses that are not under contractual purchasing agreements do have the flexibility to comparison shop. A recent client was able to save 10% on paper costs by switching from virgin fiber to recycled content paper. Other "green" options are to look for unbleached paper or, better yet, tree-free paper!
- Recycle and buy recycled. Recycle your paper, toner cartridges, and ink jet cartridges. And don't forget to buy recycled, too!
- Install software to manage and reduce paper usage. Print management software programs (such as PaperCut, GreenPrint, and many others) can reduce printed pages and printer waste.
- Use vegetable-based ink toner. SoyPrint is an environmentally-friendly alternative to petroleum-based toner. Look for additional vegetable-based toners and ink jet cartridges to hit the market soon.
- Change the font. A Dutch company has created Ecofont, a new font that requires up to 20% less ink. Ecofont is free to download and use.
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Dr. N
at
1/26/2009 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: computers, Ecofont, environment, green printing, greener printing, GreenPrint, paper, PaperCut, printer, SoyPrint
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Caracalla - Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week

Caracalla (Little Rock AR) is a salon and day spa with an aggressive recycling program that extends beyond the typical recycling of waste. Some of the unique ways in which Caracalla supports the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra are to buy reclaimed items for retail sale (such as mittens and hats made from old discarded sweaters), they sell vintage items, they recycle cut hair by sending it to Matter of Trust to be woven into hair mats capable of absorbing chemical oil spills, and they recycle worn pantyhose/stockings with Matter of Trust for the same purpose. In addition, the company purchases and sells recycled items, such as paper, bags, office supplies, toilet tissue, hand towels, pet toys, and even biodegradeable bags for picking up dog waste. The salon is decorated with reclaimed and vintage items and uses or sells eco-friendly products, such as homemade herbal wraps (no packaging waste!), bamboo hairbrushes, hemp bags, natural hair and body products, soy candles in recycled glass jars, efficient lighting, and reusable coffee mugs.
Caracalla supports the local economy by purchasing from local and organic suppliers, particularly other sustainable or green businesses, and buys in bulk to reduce packaging waste. The company also supports the local community through charitable donations and by offering free haircuts to customers who are donating hair to charity.
Caracalla was opened in 1997 by Ella Hunt.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week is a weekly behind-the-scenes look at what businesses are doing to be more sustainable and responsible in their operations.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week: If they can do it, so can you!
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Dr. N
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1/21/2009 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: Caracalla, day spa, Ella Hunt, hair salon, Matter of Trust, recycling, responsible business, sustainable business
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sustainability Conferences for 2009 - Mark Your Calendars!
Greener by Design 2009: Greener Products for Leaner Times (May 19-20, San Francisco CA)
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Dr. N
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1/19/2009 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: conference, green business, responsible business
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery - Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week
At Birdbath, the walls are made of wheat, cups made of corn, and countertops made of 100% recycled paper. The bakery was constructed with water-based stains and sealers and used non-toxic paints inside and out. The bakery chose recycled or reclaimed materials for the floors, front door, tin roof, and light fixtures and uses energy-efficient lightbulbs. Birdbath composts, recycles, and is solar-powered. The bakery also offers a 25% discount to those arriving by bicycle or skateboard. And staff wear custom-made jackets made from linen, hemp, and vintage clothing.
Maury Rubin opened The City Bakery in 1990 and his first Birdbath bakery in 2006.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week is a weekly behind-the-scenes look at what businesses are doing to be more sustainable and responsible in their operations.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week: If they can do it, so can you!
Posted by
Dr. N
at
1/14/2009 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: bakery, Birdbath, Maury Rubin, responsible business, sustainable business, The City Bakery
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Habana Outpost - Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week
In addition to these restaurant features, Habana Outpost serves as a community gathering place offering weekly movie nights and a host of other activities. For example, the Kid's Corner offers ecological activities and an "alternative heroes" coloring book (about real-life heroes!). The restaurant hosts a weekend market of local vendors and weekly fashion shows for local designers. They host an annual Earth Day Expo of informative and interactive displays on sustainability and have a gallery display of local artist's works.
Habana Outpost is one of three Habana restaurants in New York City. The company operates Habana Works, Inc., a nonprofit offering free sustainability-related workshops through various programs such as Habana Labs and Urban Studio Brooklyn. Habana Labs is dedicated to researching, developing, applying and teaching the best technology related to ecology and sustainable energy. The most recent Habana Labs project is the Offgrid Outlet, a motorized, sun-following solar panel. Another program of Habana Works is the Urban Studio Brooklyn, an architectural design/build program which recently launched the Fishmobile, a human-powered mobile fishing clinic/wetlab.
Habana Outpost was opened in 2005 by Sean Meenan owner of Manhattan's Cafe Habana and Habana To Go; the company of restaurants was started in 1998. Watch one of their many videos here.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week is a weekly behind-the-scenes look at what businesses are doing to be more sustainable and responsible in their operations.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week: If they can do it, so can you!
Posted by
Dr. N
at
1/07/2009 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: eco-eatery, Habana Outpost, responsible business, restaurant, Sean Meenan, sustainability, sustainable business
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sustainable & Responsible Businesses - 2008 Recap
If you are not familiar with these companies, read our posts and visit their websites! We look forward to highlighting more Sustainable & Responsible Businesses of the Week in the upcoming year and we hope you'll pledge to make your business more sustainable in 2009. "Because sustainable business is good business!"
To recap from 2008, here are our picks for Sustainable & Responsible Businesses of the Week:Alaffia/Agbanga Karite
Asha Imports
baabaaZuZu
Better World Club
BetterWorld Telecom
Brilliant Earth
Boutique Mix
Burgerville
Clean Air Lawn Care
Clean Green Collision
Durango McKinley Paper Company
Earth Tones
ECO Car Wash
Fair Trade Sports
FIO360
Frog's Leap Winery
Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa
Galactic Pizza
Greyston Bakery
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Green Microgym
Greenway Maid
Higher Grounds Trading Company
Hopworks Urban Brewery
IceStone
Immaculate Baking Company
Indigenous Designs
Izzy's Ice Cream
Juice Peddler
LJ Urban
Massanelli's Cleaners
Mom's Best Naturals
Natural Fusion Hair Studio
Newman's Own
Palm Theater
Pinehurst Inn
Pizza Fusion
sweetriot
SunNight Solar
Tropical Salvage
VerTerra
White Bear Racquet & Swim Club
White Dog Cafe
Zambezi Organic Forest Honey
Happy Holidays from your friends at Sustainable Business Design Consulting.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week: If they can do it, so can you!
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Dr. N
at
12/31/2008 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: responsible business, sustainable business, Sustainable Business Design
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sustainability Webinars for the New Year (January 2009)
A New Year is upon us and here are some sustainability-related webinars being offered in January 2009.
Chief Sustainability Officer Master Class Series (Jan. 6)
Packaging and the Environment: Debunking the Myths (Jan. 8)
How to Conduct an Energy Audit (Jan. 8)
Sustainability: Unraveling the Mystery (Jan. 13)
Sustainability Consulting 101 (Jan. 13)
Green Business Coaching Group (Jan. 14)
Let's Develop a Sustainable Management System (Jan. 14)
How to Conduct a Waste Audit (Jan. 15)
Case Study: Jack in the Box Reduces Water Footprint (Jan. 16)
Meeting Sustainability Initiatives Without Compromising Performance or Increasing Cost (Jan. 22)
How to Green Your IT (Jan. 22)
Leadership in Green Building Policy: Greening Your Government (Jan. 27)
Sustainability Policies & Committees (Jan. 28)
Increasing Energy Efficiency in the Web Coasting Process (Jan. 29)
How to Create a Paperless Office (Jan. 29)
Save the emissions...do it online!
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Dr. N
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12/30/2008 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: online, sustainability, training, webinar
Monday, December 29, 2008
Our Top Stories of 2008
- Where to Get a Business Degree in Sustainability
- Educate to Escape
- Four Day Work Week Gains Popularity
- Holiday Cards With A Purpose
- Research: How Green Are Biofuels?
- Chicago Green Business Conference
- Dr. Seuss Lorax Challenge Winners
- The Sustainability of Corn-Based Products
- IceStone- Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week
- Richard Branson's Latest Eco-Ventures
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12/29/2008 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: most read 2008, sustainability, Sustainable Business Design
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Want to be Carbon Neutral for a Day?: Brighter Planet's One Day Campaign
The One Day campaign is a small way to show your support to fight climate change. For every participant, Brighter Planet will donate 136 pounds of offsets -- the equivalent of one day's worth of CO2 emissions (based on the estimated average American footprint of 24.78 tons). The more people that give the gift of carbon neutrality for one day, the better. Thousands of gift recipients and givers will know that the climate movement is spreading far beyond the typical “environmental” realm and into the norm. All that Brighter Planet asks in return is that you consider conserving during the holidays.
Brighter Planet helps people take smarter steps for a healthy environment. With practical, carbon emission reducing solutions for consumers and businesses, Brighter Planet is committed to demonstrating that small, day-to-day actions can make a huge difference for the environment. To date, Brighter Planet members have offset 58 million pounds of CO2. The renewable energy projects they help build in communities across the United States decrease our national dependence on carbon emitting energy sources.
Why carbon offsets?
Carbon offsets play a crucial role in building a sustainable society. Many renewable energy projects are well suited to produce energy and meet stringent standards, but lack sufficient financing. Carbon offsets fill that void by investing in these projects.
What kind of offset projects does Brighter Planet support?
Renewable energy projects in communities across the U.S. decrease our national dependence on carbon-emitting “dirty” energy sources like coal burning power plants. Some are wind power in public school districts or open lands and others are cow power on family farms. They all meet Brighter Planet’s stringent project standards.
Where does conservation fit in to all of this?
The first step to reducing your footprint is to minimize the amount of dirty energy you use. Changes in your everyday life — some simple, others harder — will help. There are lots of ways you can conserve during the holidays and all-year long. While conservation is critical, it’s practically impossible to reduce your personal emissions to zero. You still need a place to live, a way to get to work, food to eat, and clothes to wear. This is where carbon offsets can be of great value.
Posted by
Dr. N
at
12/18/2008 06:00:00 AM
1 comments
Labels: Brighter Planet, carbon neutral, carbon offsets, One Day
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Galactic Pizza - Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week
Galactic Pizza (Minneapolis MN) makes excellent pizza from local and organic ingredients. But it's not the mouth watering pizza that makes Galactic Pizza our Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week. The company emphasizes environmental and social responsibility in its operations. Just take a look at this long list of sustainability initiatives (from their website):
- When conditions allow, our food is delivered to your door using 100% electric vehicles.
- All of the power purchased to run our restaurant is renewable wind energy.
- All of our mozzarella cheese comes from independent family farmers who humanely raise grass fed cows not treated with rGBH growth hormones or antibiotics.
- We have incorporated a number of organic items into the menu.
- We have the Second Harvest Heartland pizza, where $1 is donated to this hunger relief organization every time the pizza is ordered.
- We strive to use packaging that is either made from recycled materials, or is 100% biodegradable.
- We incorporate hemp products into each menu category, and print our menu on hemp paper. Hemp is not only good for you, it is also very good for the Earth.
- In season, we try to purchase all of our produce from farms here in Minnesota or in nearby Wisconsin.
- We have an in depth waste reduction program utilizing composting for food waste and recycling whenever possible.
- 5% of our pre-tax profits are donated to charity.
Galactic Pizza has been featured by MSNBC, CNNMoney/Fortune, and Discovery's Planet Green, to name just a few. Galactic Pizza was founded by Pete Bonahoom.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week is a weekly behind-the-scenes look at what businesses are doing to be more sustainable and responsible in their operations.
Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week: If they can do it, so can you!
Posted by
Dr. N
at
12/17/2008 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: Galactic Pizza, responsible business, sustainability
U.S. Sugar Wants to Turn Sugar Into Fuel
Posted by
Dr. N
at
12/17/2008 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: biofuels, ethanol, Everglades Coalition, Florida, sugar cane, U.S. Sugar Corporation
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
"We Need a Green New Deal"
He appealed for a modern, global environmental equivalent of U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt's 1930s "New Deal," which lifted the United States out of the Great Depression. "We need a Green New Deal," Ban declared. Coping with the financial crisis would need a "massive stimulus," he added. "A big part of that spending should be an investment -- an investment in a green future."
This sentiment has been echoed by many, including the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP)under its Green Economy Initiative. The Green Economy Initiative is a partnership between UNEP and leading economists to provide research on creating a new green economy.
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Dr. N
at
12/16/2008 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: Ban Ki-moon, Green Economy Initiative, Green New Deal, United Nations Envrionment Programme
Monday, December 15, 2008
Dallas Plans Country's First Self-Sustaining Urban Block
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Dr. N
at
12/15/2008 06:00:00 AM
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Labels: Dallas, sustainability











