Friday, July 31, 2009

Friday. FUNday!


The Polar Bear is my most favorite animal. Look at 'em go!
Courtesy of Yahoo! News Photo Hightlight

GREEN iPhone apps

I'm not an Apple iPhone user, but I am a fan of their GREEN apps. The names and discriptions of some of the apps like Greenopia and Greenpeace Tissue Guide can be found here. And apparently I'm not alone. Check out this article about the shortcomings of the iPhone in the Washington Post today/

Thursday, July 30, 2009

More US colleges are making the GREEN Honor Roll

See who received top honors by maintaining our nation's greenest campuses.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Timberland cleans up their footprint in the Amazon


The leading manufacturer and retailer of leather boots and shoes announced today that they will work to reduce their ecological footprint in the rain forest and partner with their Brazilian leather suppliers in their efforts. The suppliers must be in agreement with the company by August 15th in order to maintain their working relationship with Timberland. Notably, they are the second major shoe manufacturer, behind Nike, within this year, to reevaluate their supply chain and its effect on the environment. Well I wonder why? For decades these companies did not own up to their influences on their suppliers and the communities and natural environments in which they operated. Now, there is no denying their abuse of natural resources. we will definitely have to stay informed about the company's progress in cleaning up the Amazon Biome. To do so, you can check out their eco-friendly blog or for a more different perspective see GreenBiz.com

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Be aware of GREENWASH

The term greenwashing was coined by an environmentalist from New York, Jay Westerveld. He used this term in an essay to describe the ill will "green" marketing strategies of the local hotels. These establishments would attract guest with what a appeared to be a GREEN campaign against wasting natural resources, yet it was only a ploy to increase profits. They placed green placards in each room and encouraged guests to reuse their towels but past this, no real efforts were made on the part of these hotels. They only greened aspects of the guests stay at the hotel, ones that they could easily recognize, and not the hotel's operations and business practices.

More than ever, GREEN critics and surveyors have learned how to distinguish the genuine GREEN companies and initiatives from the rest. Prime example, in today's news, Johnson & Johnson reported that their company is on track to meet their goal of reducing carbon emissions by 7 percent by 2010, using 1990 as their benchmark. They have all kinds of facts and numbers to prove that they will meet their goal, but even still, somehow, their emissions manage to grow 3.3 percent in the year 2008 compared to teh year before. Now, how do they explain that? In the company's 12 sustainability report, they have acknowledge that their goal is "more aggressive than anticipated." They are working to become more energy efficient across various elements. Though carbon emissions increased in 2008, J&J reduced all waste by 16 percent and water use by 8.7 percent. Not bad at all for a company of their size with an extensive, global product line; however, we as a society must still hold them accountable. They must deliver on their overall carbon emissions goals too. It is not enough to say, "well they did decreased their X, Y, and Z, so its not a big deal if their A increases just a little bit." No! Please do not be deceived. This is yet another form of greenwashing.

Company's like J&J may have good intentions to help save the planet, but that is still no excuse to let them make exaggerated promises to the public, advertise it with their products and services, and manipulate consumers while increasing their profits. It is important that we remain informed and up-to-date on industry leaders and their GREEN promises. Consumer awareness drives corporate social responsibility, which instills accountability and this leads to real change.

Monday, July 27, 2009

WOW. Bravo JT!


Singer, actor Justin Timberlake has set the bar pretty high in green golfing and now owns America's first golf course with a Audubon International Classic Sanctuary distinction. Located in his hometown, Memphis, TN, Mirimichi was his childhood golf course where he first learned to play the game. In 2007 Timberlake and his family bought the property and are now working towards LEED Platinum certification for the building in 2011. Mirimichi means "place of happy retreat." This is an excellent attraction for the city of Memphis. Justin Timberlake and his family have invested they're resources into a local treasure, making it GREEN and sustainable.

Sustainable (and profitable) Tourism

Hotels, Spas Enjoy Big Savings from Green Projects

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GREEN Therapy?

I took a three-day weekend and went on a vacation to visit my favorite relatives and just relax. Now, that I'm back, I feel a little lethargic, but maybe its just a case of the Mondays. I know we all can relate. Luckily, I found this article by Bryan Walsh on the Time Magazine website. He found that there is a growing group of psychologists that practice 'Eco-Therapy.' He revealed that more than half of every human on this planet lives in a cities and is cut off from nature. Before now, the human race evolved with and blended with nature for millions of years. However, today, we are all consumed with work, school, technology, and economic downturn. In this article, the Eco-therapists recommend that their patients keep a nature journal in which they record exactly how much time they spend outdoors. Some find that they spend less than 15 minutes outdoors a day! WOW. Try it for yourself. Monitor your time spent outdoors AND your mood. If it is less than 15 minutes per day and you are feeling the office blues, go outside and play!

\'Eco-Therapy\' for Environmental Depression: Go Jump Off a Pier

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Coca-Cola Enterprises' Commitment 2020

Coca-Cola Enterprises To Cut Carbon Footprint 15%

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A new record-setting GREEN building feature

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc will be the proud owners of the largest living wall in North America, pending municipal approval, to be intalled in septemebr. My first thought, "Will this be costly to maintain and water?" Not hardly! It is reported that the wall is estimated to require only a 15 mintue watering PER WEEK. Along with its weekly, man-made rain fall, the living wall is sure to have a natural irrigation system being that it will be located at their headquaters in Pittsberg. The 2,380 square-foot, soil based portrait is not just for show. It will also contribute to cooling this GREEN building. "The wall will be a fitting reminder that PNC is the world-leader in green building," commented PNC Director of Corporate Real Estate, Gary Saulson.

Above is a rendering of the living wall design.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Top U.S. Green Brands

Clorox Green Works, Burt's Bees, Tom's of Maine Top U.S. Green Brands

(According to the 2009 Global Green Brands study)

Can one's waste become another's hydrogen fuel?


Environmetal researchers from the AENews Network say yes! Hydrogen, as an alternative energy source, is gaining support in the industry because it is efficient and clean. When hydrogen burns, it does not produce carbon dioxide and only emits water vapors in to the atmosphere.

"It’s becoming increasingly necessary for scientists devising new technologies to limit the amount of carbon dioxide they release. This project takes us one step closer to these goals – once we have technologies that enable us to produce hydrogen sustainably, the infrastructure to support its use will grow.”-Dr. Valerie Dupont

GREEN in⋅fra⋅struc⋅ture on the rise

Green Building Projects Thrive Despite Recession

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Mmmh this sounds good!


A simple, veggie packed GREEN Summer Soup recipe from the August issue of Self magazine.

Well, it IS a GREEN truck


I don't know if I'm just feeling the spirit of the Tour de France or the fact that I'm a proud new owner, but I am obsessed with everything Trek these days. Check out the 1 World 2 Wheels Go By Bike Challenge Blog. Its a good read, posted by everyday riders and supporters of this GREEN initiative.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

B&N and the new era of digital reading

The world's largest chain of bookstores will be launching a mega e-bookstore at BN.com. Not only will it be competing with Amazon.com by selling books via the Web at competitive prices, but it will also be "contributing to the growth of the whole category of digital reading,” offering more than 700,000 books that can be read on your favorite mobile devices including the iPhone and various BlackBerry models. B&N's future in the e-bookstore industry looks promising in a number of ways. More importantly this is yet another contribution to the GREEN movement. With technology and being knowledge about our environment's limited resources businesses are thinking GREEN and are more inclined today to implement sustainable business practices to improve profits, change with consumer demand, or otherwise.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Good News!

According to the ScienceDaily, we decreased our overall energy consumption in 2008. Likewise, "Americans used more solar, nuclear, biomass and wind energy in 2008 than they did in 2007, according to the most recent energy flow charts."--ScienceDaily (2009-07-20)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Support it any way YOU can


I discovered this magazine while paying for my groceries at the Whole Foods Market yesterday. I was drawn to it by the brightly colored cover and simple yet perfect title. Admittedly, I did not buy it. Yes, I would have loved to support this developing brand, but the price of the magazine was not in my budget. Moreover, in this struggling economy, I have found that it is easier to support the GREEN movement by planning ahead. For example, this magazine is seasonal. I learned that from their simple yet perfect website. It is filled with environmental facts and tips on how to achieve a greener lifestyle. Moral of this story; Whether you purchase the magazine or register with their website, you will be showing your support for this company and their GREEN cause.

Also, checkout this article on going GREEN and finding personal balance.

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: ENN -- Know Your Environment

Looking for a GREEN job? Well check this list out! The Top Ten GREEN Jobs of 2008 with Salaries over 100K:
Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: ENN -- Know Your Environment

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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Going Green with Social Media


Is the GO GREEN movement sustainable or fashionable? Will it soon be forgotten like last season's markups? This article suggests that yes, "going green," is currently a hot topic, but it is not the kind of hot topic that will soon become an after thought. Increasingly, we are realizing that this is not a matter that can be resolved through discussion or hope. We must take action NOW. Moreover, we are relying on popular social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, in order to better understand the GREEN movement and the many ways in which we can help SAVE OUR PLANET.

The Bay vs. The Bag



Reason #87 why we ALL need to do our part. Limit the use of disposable shopping bags. REMEMBER to REUSE!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

If you build it...

Kids will love it! This is just another reason why I am proud to call Mrs. Michelle Obama my First Lady. With the help of her advisors, personal Chef, and the DC community, First Lady Obama is making great strides in her campaign to improve American children's diet and health. Insituting the first White House Garden was a brilliant idea to effectively teach kids about all the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Caloric intake and weight loss

Very help tool that is easily accessible through The Post website. Membership not necessary. This calculator really puts things into perspective. Sometimes, I feel discouraged by weight loss and maintenance because I am always hungry because of my level of activity and the fact that I just love to eat. Being able to accurately quantify the calories I eat and use is helpful and encouraging. Its a great way to monitor your intake vs output in order to achieve your weight/fitness/health goals, made as convenient as possible.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Back to Basics


Watch CBS Videos Online

One way to conserve energy is to not use electric dryers but instead dry your clothes using natural resources, wind and the Sun. In order to use wind, clothes must be aired outdoors. What's the problem? Some neighbors in this particular community feel that a simple clothes line, an effort to slow climate change, is a detriment to their property value. They just don't want to be forced to look at their neighbors socks and shirts. This is such a lame excuse. Who complained about seeing their neighbors' underwear before the modern washer and dryer were installed? No one! Some opponents might argue that we have progressed with the times and technology. We have the means to dry our clothes in doors and be civilized. However, due to our inventions and consumption patterns, we are exhausting our limited resources by the second. If a clothes line is too much for us to bear, then how will we ever make any real changes towards limiting our dependency on energy? Impossible. Results can't come without change.

Riding for a Change




This is great initiative to combat global climate change, sponsored by Brita, the water filter company. Last year, over 100 riders biked from NYC to DC to seek climate change legislation and a more advocacy for renewable energy. This year the ride will be held from September 26th-30th.

...on a POSITIVE note!

I've been blogging for over a year now. During this past year, I have moved to the west coast, completed my third year of undergraduate studies, was accepted to graduate school, and visited four European countries. So, I think it is about time that I recognize and show some gratitude for all that I have been blessed with this year. Right? RIGHT! That said, its time to take this blog into a new direction, a more focused, SUSTAINABLE direction.

But first, I'll take a moment to review my exciting year of travel:


Palma de Mallorca, Spain


Madrid, Spain


Barcelona, Spain


Florence, Italy


Copenhagen, Denmark


Malmö, Sweden


Stockholm, Sweden
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