Earth Day at Work

From the U.S. government's Earthday.gov site, here are some tips on how to take action at work.

Commute for the environment

• Start a carpool or walk, bike, or use mass transportation instead of driving.


• Encourage your employer to be a "Best Workplace for Commuters".


• Learn how every trip you take can affect air quality.

Green your building

• Apply green building principles to your office buildings. They affect natural resources, land use, energy use, worker and public health, and community well being. With sustainable design - or green building - tools, the federal government can protect human health and worker productivity, reduce costs and risks, and build with greater responsibility towards future generations. Green Building principles lead to building in greater harmony with the environment, consciously sustaining and renewing natural resources.


• Go Green with GSA. The U.S. Government Services Administration has many environmental initiatives to help federal agencies Go Green. These initiatives range from green products to constructing and leasing green buildings.


• Clean Green. Using environmentally preferable cleaning supplies helps reduce pollution.

Reduce energy use

• Use Energy Star's energy-efficient office products. Make sure that you turn on the energy saving features.


• Turn off your computer monitor, printers, copy machines, and the lights when they are not being used.


• If possible, take the stairs instead of using the elevator.


• Use the consumer's guide to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle office products

• Buy recycled content, remanufactured, and recyclable office products, and recycle them when appropriate (including e-cycling electronics). At a minimum, buy recycled paper and recycle it again. See the small business guide to pollution prevention for more information: http://www.epa.gov/ecycling/index.htm.


• Clean Out Your Files and recycle papers you no longer need. Many organizations sponsor cleaning weeks; check with your office management staff.


• Use spell check and proofread before you print or copy. Print double sided whenever possible. Minimize the amount of paper you use.


• Buy reusable office supplies instead of disposable supplies.


• Set up an area to store and exchange reusable office supplies, such as binders


• Recycle fluorescent bulbs properly to prevent hazardous mercury from entering the environment.
  

In addition to these items, check the Environmental Protection Agency's "At the Workplace" page.

Downtown Atlanta's Zero Waste Zone

Atlanta has created a Zero Waste Zone in the downtown convention district in an attempt to divert waste from landfills. The pilot phase of the program focuses on recycling and diverting food waste.

The Hyatt Regency sends excess food to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and scraps are picked up by Greenco Environmental for composting. The compost is then bought by organic farmers and gardeners. The Hyatt expects to save $8000/year in the food recycling program.

Refuel Biodiesel picks up used grease from Emory University and Chick-fil-a, converts it to biodiesel, and returns it to the businesses to be used in biodiesel fleets.

The Zero Waste Zone program is an initiative of Atlanta Recycles and the Green Foodservice Alliance. The program also includes Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Levy Restaurants, Georgia Dome, Georgia World Congress Center, and other businesses.

What's the Deal with CFLs?

In a departure from usual posts, this is a personal commentary.

I don't know about you, but I've been disappointed with my compact flourescent lightbulbs (CFLs). Two years ago, I changed all the lightbulbs in my house and replaced them with CFLs. This was no cheap feat, it cost a few hundred dollars. But the touted benefits included the fact that CFLs use 50-80% less energy, which reduces carbon emissions, and the bulbs last up to 10 times longer than incandescents.

My first disappointment came a month later when there was no difference in my electric bill. In fact, the next month's electric bill increased, but it was summer and the air conditioning was in full swing. Besides, lighting is such a miniscule part of the electric bill, I may not have noticed the difference anyway. But I figured I was still helping the environment and the lights would pay for themselves over the lifetime of the bulbs.

Think again. Over the past 2 years, I've had to replace 7 CFL bulbs: 3 exterior bug lights, 2 globe vanity lights, and two 3-way lights. I know this because, like a good recycler, I've kept all of them in a bag for hazardous household waste disposal.

And last night, one of the bulbs exploded! Yes, exploded! It was a 3-way bulb, two light settings had already burned out, but it still offered one level of lighting and was still in use. That is, until it exploded for no apparent reason. Fortunately, no one was sitting near the lamp at the time.

After this incident, the room was allowed to air due to the risk of mercury exposure. The remnants of the bulb have now been placed in my bag for hazardous household waste disposal, and this brings the grand total to 8 CFL bulbs replaced in a span of two years.

So where are the energy savings and longer lifespans that have been claimed? I have to say I've been very disappointed. What's the deal with CFLs?

The Best Business Programs in Sustainability

Business Week has published its annual list of the overall Best Undergraduate Business Programs. The rankings also list the best undergraduate business programs by specific disciplines: marketing, corporate strategy, financial management, quantitative methods, ethics, business law, calculus, microeconomics, operations management, macroeconomics, and accounting.





For the first time, the rankings identified the best 101 undergraduate business programs in sustainability. Interestingly, none of the 11 top-ranked best undergraduate business programs even placed in the sustainability rankings.





Top 10 Best Business Programs in Sustainability

1. Illinois


2. Boston College (Carroll)


3. Rutgers


4. Xavier (Williams)


5. George Washington


6. Richmond (Robins)


7. Cal Poly (Orfalea)


8. Massachusetts (Isenberg)


9. Rensselaer Polytech (Lally)


10. Wake Forest (Calloway)

Related articles:

Online Business Degrees in Sustainability

Where to get a Business Degree in Sustainability

Top Ten Greenwashing Companies in America

24/7 Wall St. has offered its list of the Top Ten Greenwashing Companies in America. According to the article,

Every company on this list makes a substantial investment in creating a perception that they are friendlier to the environment than their peers are or that they are on the side of good or that saving the global ecosystem should be part of a corporation’s broad public responsibility–its good citizenship. These firms often spend millions of dollars on advertising to support the way that their companies are perceived in the green world. But, hidden behind these efforts, each corporation on this list is a Herculean polluter. And, that fact points to a hypocrisy which is almost completely hidden from the public.

So who made the list?

1. General Electric


2. American Electric Power


3. ExxonMobil


4. DuPont


5. Archer Daniels Midland


6. Waste Management, Inc.


7. International Paper


8. BP


9. Dow Chemical


10. General Motors

To read a full description of why each company is on this list or to read the methodology, check out the 24/7 Wall St. article.

GoodCompany Ventures Now Accepting Applications for 2009 Program

PRESS RELEASE

GoodCompany Ventures Now Accepting Applications for 2009 Program

Philadelphia Area Investors Launch Innovative Incubator For Social Entrepreneurs

Philadelphia, PA - March 23, 2009 - GoodCompany Ventures, a team of social finance investors and start-up experts, today announced the launch of a business incubator targeting entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to unmet social needs. The program will provide facilities, mentoring and access to a network of capital sources to qualified entrepreneurs whose business models offer investors an attractive mix of financial return and social impact. The program will culminate in a venture fair where companies will pitch their ideas to investors.

“The program is the first of its kind in the social sector, repurposing a proven venture strategy in this emerging sector," stated Jacob Gray, Murex Investments Partner. “Unlike conventional venture incubators, GoodCompany Ventures doesn’t extract an equity commitment from entrepreneurs, but expects a commitment of time and creativity toward building a community of social entrepreneurship.”

“This incubator program will be a pioneer,” said Garret Melby, founder of Iolite Social Capital. “Just as Xerox Parc, Idea Lab and other technology incubators helped create the foundation of the information economy, GoodCompany Ventures will support entrepreneurs seeking to build a socially and environmentally sustainable economy.”

Applicants will be recruited nationally via venture capital, social finance, and academic networks. A pool of eight to twelve candidates will be selected to participate in the 2009 incubator program that begins in June.

The program has been developed jointly by Resources for Human Development, Inc. (RHD), an innovator in social finance with a successful track record in social enterprises, and Murex Investments, a “double bottom line” equity fund backed by leading financial institutions.

Applications for the GoodCompany Ventures Program are now being accepted online at http://www.goodcompanyventures.org/. The application deadline is April 20, 2009.

About GoodCompany VenturesGoodCompany

Ventures catalyzes start-ups with innovative solutions to big, unmet social needs. GoodCompany entrepreneurs are offered a great place to work in Philadephia, a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and access to a network of capital sources and expert advisors. We champion models that offer investors financial return and social impact. More information is available at http://www.goodcompanyventures.org/ or via email at info@GoodCompanyVentures.org.

Apply Now
Applications are now being accepted for entrepreneurs and operators. Application deadline is April 20.

Potential mentors, sponsors, investors and interns are always welcomed.

Sustainability & Green Business Webinars - April 2009

Sustainable business and green business webinars for April 2009 include:

Reduce Costs While on the Road to Sustainability - Measure, Manage and Reduce the Environmental Costs of your Buildings (April 2)
Cut Costs and Carbon with Your Real Estate Assets (April 8)
Green Energy eForum (April 8)
Meeting Tenant Demands for LEED (April 8)
Comprehensive Approaches to Stormwater Management for Higher Education (April 14)
Understanding Sustainable Dining Options for Higher Education (April 15)
Office Greening 101 (April 15)
Greening Your Office Operations (April 16)
Local Food Networks: Food Localization as a Sustainability Strategy (April 21)
Sustainability Careers for MBAs (April 21)
Sustainability Consulting 101 (April 21)
LEED Case Study: Challenges and Opportunities in Negotiating a Green Transaction (April 22)
A Guide to Green Purchasing (April 22)
Carbon Offsetting (April 29)

Save the emissions...do it online!

Earth Hour, Saturday, 8:30pm

Don't forget to do it in the dark, whatever "it" is. Whether you are reading, eating, watching television, exercising, or anything else, remember that Saturday, March 28 at 8:30pm local time is Earth Hour. Turn off all nonessential lighting for 60 minutes to show your support for saving the Earth and creating a healthier environment. Isn't "it" more fun by candlelight anyway?

Green For All Founder Van Jones to join Obama Administration as Special Advisor for Green Jobs

Press Release

Green For All Founder Van Jones to join Obama Administration as Special Advisor for Green Jobs;

Economic Powerhouse Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins to take reins of Green For All

OAKLAND, CA – The “green jobs” movement will get a major boost next week as Green For All Founder Van Jones joins the Obama administration and economic justice powerhouse Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins takes the reins at Green For All.

On March 16, Van Jones will leave to become Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). His duties will include: helping to shape and implement job-generating climate policy; working to ensure equal protection and equal opportunity in the administration’s climate and energy proposals; and publicly advocating the administration's environmental and energy agenda.

New leadership for Green For All will come from Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins. A savvy champion for justice, Ellis-Lamkins has successfully expanded health-care access across California. She has also helped to raise the minimum wage for low-income families in the South Bay – twice.

“Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins is one of the nation's most brilliant, inspirational and creative problem solvers for working families,” said Van Jones. “She has a proven track record of success. Under her leadership, Green For All will deliver on the promise of a green economy that is strong enough to lift people out of poverty."

Phaedra’s many victories have won her wide praise. San Jose Magazine named Ellis-Lamkins one of the 100 most powerful people in Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley Business Journal called her one of "40 to watch under 40.”

Ellis-Lamkins is presently the head of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council and Working Partnerships USA. She will join Green For All this month as its Chief Executive Officer.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be joining Green For All, an organization whose exceptional reputation is exceeded only by the good work that it has accomplished,” Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins said. “I see the work of Green For All as an antidote to fear and pessimism: a statement that we can tackle the difficult problems of poverty, quality employment and environmental sustainability.”

“We couldn’t be prouder of Van, Phaedra and Green For All,” said James Rucker, Green For All board member and executive director of ColorofChange.org. Rucker added, “Van going to work for the Obama White House affirms three things: the quality of Green For All’s accomplishments over the last fourteen months; the quality of Van’s work over the last twenty years; and, the dedication of President Obama’s White House to the vision of an inclusive green economy. Replacing Van with an exceptional leader like Phaedra just makes the whole thing even more extraordinary.”

In its first fourteen months, Green For All has become an organization with a multi-million dollar annual budget, thirty-two staff members and an on-line network of 70,000 people. It has won a string of victories, most notably $500 million for green-job training as part of the $48 billion for job training and education in President Obama’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The organization’s other accomplishments include: hosting the 2008 Dream Reborn Conference in Memphis on the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination; leading the U.S. Conference of Mayors to endorse a green jobs pledge; and, in partnership with 1Sky and Al Gore’s Alliance for Climate Protection, producing the September 27, 2008, “Green Jobs Now” day of action – which resulted in rallies and events in all 50 states.

This year, Green For All will be focused on helping to ensure equal access to the money in the green aspects of Obama’s recovery package, while winning jobs and justice in the upcoming federal climate legislation.

For more information, contact Marni Tomljanovic (212) 691-2800 tomljanovic@sunshinesachs.com

100 Months to Act on Climate Change

Prince Charles warned businesses that we only have 100 months to act on climate change before the damage becomes irreversible. Prince Charles' speech to business leaders is intended to spur businesses to action in addressing climate change and in implementing climate mitagation strategies. Furthermore, the Prince argued that "green" is good for business. The speech comes in anticipation of the G20 summit to be held in London next month and is an effort to put the environment at the top of the political agenda.

Foodservice Sustainability Prize to be Offered

Has your foodservice business implemented measures to address sustainability? If so, your business may be eligible for a $5000 grant from Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability (HCFS).

Individuals and companies can apply by submitting a case study of demonstrating how their program addresses sustainability challenges such as reducing energy and water use; decreasing wastewater or solid waste; or implementing Farm-to-Fork programs or other combined programs. Descriptions of specific foodservice equipment used to achieve sustainability goals, including ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment, is also encouraged.

The recipient will use the proceeds to invest in additional sustainability efforts. Submissions are open now through August and the winner will be announced in November.

Visit their website for more information on the grant.

Free College Course: Introduction to Sustainable Engineering

Introduction to Sustainable Engineering is being offered online and free of charge to the first 30 students to apply and be accepted. The course is being offered by Blekinge Institute of Technology's (Sweden) Mechanical Engineering Department. The course requires no engineering background, is taught online in English, and tuition is paid by the Swedish government although students must buy the textbook (estimated at $100 USD). The ten-week course runs from April 17-June 25.

The application process is similar to any college or university and requires an application and transcripts of previous college-level work and degrees. The application period is open March 6-20 and all materials must be received by March 27. Check the website for further details.

Earth Hour 2009: March 28

Saturday, March 28 at 8:30pm local time, individuals, businesses, and cities across the world will honor Earth Hour 2009. Earth Hour simply asks you to switch off lights (where feasible) for one hour beginning at 8:30pm in your local time zone. Earth Hour seeks to raise awareness about climate change and is a "call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet."

The event started in 2007 with an estimated 2.2 million homes and businesses participating. In 2008, an estimated 50 million individuals participated. In 2009, organizers hope to reach 1 billion individuals. Will you participate?

Some Earth Hour 2008 results:

• Chicago saved an estimated 420 tons of carbon emissions



• Toronto's electricity usage dropped 8.7%



• British Colombia saved 125 megawatts of electricity

Sloan Management Review Launches Beyond Green

MIT Sloan Management Review has launched its new blog, Beyond Green. As the name implies, it the the publication's blog on sustainability issues. Why was Beyond Green launched? "...we think that sustainability as a business issue will be core to every organization’s strategy agenda. It will transform management and strategy...."

Harvard Business Review's Leading Green blog was launched last year.

Cadbury Seeks to Reduce Emissions Through "Guide to Low Carbon Dairy Farming"

In calculating its carbon footprint, Cadbury discovered that over 60% of its emissions comes from milk production. As a result, Cadbury will begin working with select dairy farmers in the UK in an effort to help the farmers reduce emissions. The Cadbury Guide to Low Carbon Dairy Farming outlines best practices to help the farmers reduce carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

The initiative is part of the larger "Purple Goes Green" carbon reduction strategy of the company. Cadbury's goal is to reduce absolute emissions by 50% by 2020.