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Hurricane Sandy was a superstorm that was fueled by climate change. In an effort to minimize the likelihood of a recurrence, Sierra Club has launched a petition that they will send to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Gina McCarthy. This petition tells her that "you remember the lessons of Sandy and that it's time to move beyond the biggest causes of climate disruption, starting with climate pollution from new power plants."

As of October 31, almost 4,000 people have signed the petition. See the text of the petition below:

I urge you to move forward with the strongest possible safeguards against industrial carbon pollution from new coal and gas-burning power plants.

Carbon pollution is the main contributor to climate disruption and is linked to life-threatening air pollution like asthma-inducing smog, making it a serious hazard to Americans' health and future. Power plants are some of our nation's top sources of this dangerous pollutant.

While standards for gas plants will need to be strengthened, I strongly support the new standards to clean up dangerous carbon pollution from new coal power plants. Coal plants are the source of an enormous proportion of the climate pollution facing our nation, and as we continue the transition to clean energy solutions, it's vital that our communities are protected from that pollution. The proposed standards for coal plants are an important and necessary step.

More than 3.2 million comments were submitted calling for the EPA to take climate action during 2012. Please add my name to that list of Americans who are ready for our government to protect our families, our communities, and our climate from dangerous and destructive carbon pollution.

Signed,
Sierra Club

Click here to sign the petition.

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Supreme Court to Review EPA's Right to Limit GHGs

The United States Supreme Court has indicated that it may limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On Tuesday, October 22, 2013, the US Supreme Court indicated that it would hear arguments against the EPA's right to regulate GHGs under the Clean Air Act (CAA).

This is in response to six separate petitions for ‎certiorari (a writ or order by which a higher court reviews a case tried in a lower court). The litigation is titled Coalition for Responsible ‎Regulation, Inc. et al., v. Environmental Protection Agency (D.C. Cir. Index No. 09-1322). Those who filed the petitions are putting the interests of the old energy economy ahead of efforts to combat climate change. They include the State of Texas, the US Chamber of Commerce, and predictably industry associations ‎of energy producers and users.‎

These challenges arise from a decision of the Federal Circuit Court for the District of Columbia which upheld ‎EPA's efforts to regulate GHGs under the CAA.

The Supreme Court will review the question: "Whether EPA permissibly determined that its ‎regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles triggered permitting ‎requirements under the Clean Air Act for stationary sources that emit greenhouse gases."

In an order issued on October 30, 2013, the court told the six petitioners in the consolidated case to keep their legal briefs to 45,000 words total. This represents a substantial reduction from nine separate briefs of 15,000 words each, or 135,000 words total.

Among the EPA efforts that are threatened by this review are GHG emission limits for light-duty vehicles (tailpipe ‎rule) and large, stationary sources (timing and tailoring rules).

In 2007 the Supreme Court ruled that EPA has the authority to regulate GHG emissions ‎‎(Massachusetts v. EPA). However the recent Supreme Court decision to review the D.C. Circuit Court's ruling is a win for the brown economy and those opposed to GHG regulation.

The Supreme Court decision is at odds with US public opinion as a Hart Research Poll indicates that 74 percent of voters support EPA’s proposals to limit power plant emissions. That support cuts across states that supported Barack Obama (73 percent) and Mitt Romney (73 percent) as well as party identification (Democrats 92 percent, independents 72 percent, and Republicans 58 percent).

The court has not scheduled arguments yet, but they are likely to take place in February.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Halloween Consumer Statistics are a Little Less Scary in 2013

With projected US sales of $7 billion, consumers are spending less on Halloween this year. However, despite declining sales, there are still a host of problems associated with the holiday. In addition to the health impacts associated with candy consumption, one of the scariest parts of Halloween is the tons of non-biodegradable waste generated by wrappers, decorations and costumes.

Halloween is a multi-billion dollar retail event that has more than doubled in the last 7 years from $3.29 billion in 2005 to 8 billion in 2012. Surpassed only by Christmas, Halloween is the second biggest decorating holiday of the year.

According to the National Retail Federation's (NRF) annual Halloween Spending Survey, with the exception of 2009, US consumers have consistently increased their Halloween spending every year since 2005. Last year was no exception, however in 2013, consumers have indicated that they intend to decrease their spend. If this report turns out to be accurate, retailers can expect a total October spend of $7 billion which is $1 billion less than in 2012.

Here are some of the key statistics from the Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey for the period between 2005 and 2013 as indicated in the annual Halloween Spending and Intentions report (conducted by BigInsight research firm for the NRF).

Total Amount Consumers Planned to Spend For the Halloween Holiday Overall

$7.0 billion - 2013
$8.0 billion - 2012
$6.86 billion - 2011
$5.80 billion - 2010
$4.75 billion - 2009
$5.77 billion - 2008
$5.07 billion - 2007
$4.96 billion - 2006
$3.29 billion - 2005

Total Amount Consumers Planned to Spend for Halloween Costumes

$2.6 billion - 2013
$2.87 billion - 2012
$2.52 billion - 2011
$2.05 billion - 2010
$1.75 billion - 2009
$2.10 billion - 2008
$1.82 billion - 2007
$1.81 billion - 2006
$1.15 billion - 2005

Total Amount Consumers Planned to Spend for Halloween Candy

$2.08 billion - 2013
$2.33 billion - 2012
$2.00 billion - 2011
$1.78 billion - 2010
$1.52 billion - 2009
$1.77 billion - 2008
$1.55 billion - 2007
$1.57 billion - 2006
$1.16 billion - 2005

Total Amount Consumers Planned to Spend for Halloween Decorations

1.96 billion - 2013
$2.33 billion - 2012
$1.88 billion - 2011
$1.63 billion - 2010
$1.23 billion - 2009
$1.58 billion - 2008
$1.39 billion - 2007
$1.31 billion - 2006
$0.84 billion - 2005

Total Amount Consumers Planned to Spend for Halloween Greeting Cards

$0.36 billion - 2013
$0.59 billion - 2012
$0.47 billion - 2011
$0.35 billion - 2010
$0.25 billion - 2009
$0.32 billion - 2008
$0.31 billion - 2007
$0.26 billion - 2006
$0.14 billion - 2005

Percentage of Consumers Who Planned to Celebrate Halloween or Participate in Halloween Activities:

65.8% - 2013
71.5% - 2012
68.6% - 2011
63.8% - 2010
62.1% - 2009
64.5% - 2008
58.7% - 2007
63.8% - 2006
52.5% - 2005

The primary problem with candy is the non-biodegradable packaging. There is also the issue of health impacts on the children that consume it. In addition to vast quantities of sugar (a known cause of inflammation), candy also contains dyes, both are linked to behavioral issues in sensitive children.

The two worst Halloween buys for the environment are decorations and costumes. Both are commonly made of plastic that do not break down. Plastics also contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates toxins including Bisphenolic Compounds like BPA.

Another popular item that people buy is pumpkins, however, when consumed or composted, they have a relatively small environmental footprint.

In 2012, Halloween retail sales reached an all time high of $8 billion nationwide. Year after year Halloween consumer spending has increased. In 2009, as the effects of the recession set in consumers reduced their Halloween purchasing. If the survey results prove accurate, 2013 will be only the second time in 8 years that Halloween spending has declined.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Smooth Criminals Win Corporate Responsiblity Honors

Three companies associated with criminal activities top the list of corporate responsibility leaders for 2013. For the third consecutive year, Corporate Responsibility (CR) Magazine ranked the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens by industry in 10 sectors.

The first three selections on their list are understandable. Accenture won top honors in the Business Services sector, Mattel earned the number one spot in Consumer Items and Campbell Soup was recognized as the leader in Consumer Staples.

The wheels come off the proverbial cart when we get to their number one picks for energy, Financials/Insurance/Real Estate, and Healthcare sectors.

Somehow CR Magazine deemed Exxon Mobil, a newcomer on the list, as deserving of being the best company in the Energy sector. Exxon Mobil is a highly questionable choice, even if we ignore the fact that they are in the fossil fuel business which is the primary cause of climate change.

ExxonMobil subsidiary XTO Energy is being prosecuted for alleged environmental crimes after it spilled fracking wastewater into a Pennsylvania river in 2010. The company has already agreed to pay a $100,000 federal fine for spilling 57,000 gallons of contaminated fluids into a tributary of the Susquehanna River.

XTO's bizarre response only magnifies their subterfuge. “Charging XTO under these circumstances could discourage good environmental practices, such as recycling,” XTO said in a statement responding to the charges. “Criminalizing a small recycling spill sends the wrong environmental and legal message,” the company said. “The action tells oil and gas operators that setting up infrastructure to recycle produced water exposes them to the risk of significant legal and financial penalties should a small release occur.”

ExxonMobil was also fined $120,000 by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for violating the state’s mandatory greenhouse gas reporting rule. (In California companies are obliged to report their GHG emissions annually).

Things go from bad to worse when it comes to the Financials/Insurance/Real Estate sectors. JP Morgan Chase Bank was awarded top honors despite the fact that CR gave the company a "yellow card" for its discontinued practice of posting transactions that generated overdraft fees. A practice for which the company paid $110 million settlement in a class actions suit. However, this is the least of their crimes.

JP Morgan played a role in the collapse of the US real estate market and subsequent global economic meltdown of 2008. Recently, the company was forced to pay a record $13 billion and plead guilty to a criminal charge to settle a Justice Department investigation into the bank’s sales of mortgage bonds.

CR Magazine's decision to name Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) as the top firm in Healthcare is another questionable choice. In October of this year Robert Ramnarine, a former high level executive (1997 to 2012), was sentenced to prison for securities fraud.

Here is CR Magazine's full top 10 list of best corporate citizens, by industry:

Business Services: Accenture
Consumer Items: Mattel
Consumer Staples: Campbell Soup
Energy: Exxon Mobil
Financials/Insurance/Real Estate: JPMorgan Chase
Healthcare: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Information Technology: International Business Machines (IBM)
Materials: E.I. DuPont De Nemours
Media and Entertainment: Walt Disney
Utilities: Spectra Energy

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Weatherization Day: Energy Efficiency Resources for those in Need

Weatherization Day is celebrated on October 30, which is fitting as the days grow colder as we head towards winter. The day is intended to raise awareness about the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) which is a nationwide program that was created in 1976. Their energy mission is geared towards reducing energy use and costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, while ensuring their health and safety.

In addition to the focusing on the WAP, the day is intended to raise awareness about the work being performed by the WAP network. The DOE has also added to the focus of the day by declaring October to be Energy Awareness Month. Continue reading to see the wide range of resources that can help to institute energy efficiency measures and communicate their value.
While there are a lot of things we can do to protect the environment and advance the green economy, one of the easiest and most accessible things we can do is to weatherize our homes. Energy for heating and cooling is among the most climate change causing greenhouse gas (GHG) intensive activities on the planet, so anything we can do to minimize our energy requirements is of great benefit. Weatherization not only saves money, it reduces energy and thereby decreases the amount of GHGs we emit.

Using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry the WAPTAC program strives to decrease energy demand and costs through improved efficiency, as well as reduce dependence on foreign oil.

The WAPTAC website contains a virtual library of all rules, regulations, policies and procedures required by DOE's weatherization program. On the site you can also find photos and videos of work in progress, site demonstrations, news articles, and other documentation.

The plethora of resources on the WAPTAC site include energy efficiency measures and techniques to communicate the value of weatherization including best practices and procurement. In addition to implementing energy efficiency measures this is also a great day to communicate the value of weatherization with the public, in your workplace, as well as your municipal, state and federal leaders.

Starting a Public Information Campaign
Weatherization Day planning
Site demonstrations shows how weatherization works
Tips to promote Weatherization Day to get going on your planning.
Governor's proclamation for Weatherization Day in your state.
List of media outlets to reach out to with Weatherization stories listed by state.
Sample Weatherization Day proclamations
Press Releases
Documents from Around the Country.
Media release form

To access these resources click here.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Fossil Free Europe Tour in Full Swing

Bill McKibben and the 350.org crew, are in the midst of a European tour aimed at encouraging Europe to go fossil free. Mckibben, 350.org and a wide range of climate leaders are working on growing the movement to change the terrifying math of the climate crisis.

The Fossil Free Europe Tour includes speakers from across social movements and incorporates multimedia including videos and music. Video links will highlight the thoughts of people like author Naomi Klein and former Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Student activists, faith campaigners, community energy leaders are also sharing their stories.

On October 27 the tour visited Berlin and on the 29th Amsterdam. Today October 30th the campaign is in Edinburgh and on October 31 they will visit Birmingham. On November 1 the tour concludes with a presentation in London. For those in European cities tickets are available, for those who cannot attend a live show there will be livestreaming of the final London show in homes and communities across Europe.

Click here to find or host a livestream gathering.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Remembering Superstorm Sandy and Preventing a Recurrence

October 29, 2013 Add Comment Edit

October 29, 2013 was the first anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, one of the most destructive storms in US history. The hurricane devastated the East Coast including New York City, the Jersey Shore and New England. The storm killed hundreds in the Caribbean and 159 people in the US. Sandy also damaged or destroyed more than 650,000 homes. In addition to the lives lost the havoc wreaked by the hurricane caused $70 billion in damage across eight states.

New York saw a record storm surge of 13 feet and millions were left without power, in some cases this lasted for weeks. One of the most impacted areas was the Rockaways. It is truly amazing to see the resilience of people, still struggling to rebuild their homes and their lives after such utter destruction.

As we remember this day, we owe it to those who lost so much, to ensure that we do what we can to decrease our contributions to climate change which is increasing the likelihood of such extreme weather events.

While we may not be able to prevent all storms, through a consorted international effort we can keep temperatures below the 2 degree Celsius upper threshold, which will go a long way to diminishing the frequency and severity of such storms.

If we continue with business as usual we will condemn people to suffer a recurrence of the same fate as those who suffered through the ravages of hurricane Sandy.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Scientists and Activists Hold US Press Conference on Conservatives' Tar Sands Agenda

October 29, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Canadian scientists and activists want Americans to know about the Conservatives' hell-bent agenda to exploit Canada's tar sands reserves. On October 8, 2013 a delegation of Canadian scientists and activists participated in a briefing at the National Press Club in Washington, DC in which they shared a litany of environmental abuse being perpetrated by the ruling Canadian government.

Canada is doing everything in its power to increase exploitation of fossil fuel reserves. According to a Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Sierra Club press release, the ruling Conservatives want to triple tar sands production.

The Canadian government is spending $24 million on advertising to promote the tar sands. Canadian fossil fuel interests are also trying to influence the public and US legislators. According to a new white paper by DeSmog Canada, TransCanada Corporation, the company behind the Keystone XL pipeline proposal, has spent more than $4 million lobbying US federal lawmakers and government department staff since 2010.

In an effort largely intended to win support for the Keystone XL, TransCanada has spent $2.78 million on in-company lobbyists and a further $1.26 million on US based lobby firms since 2010.

For the six years that the federal government has been in power they have amassed a track record of profound environmental neglect. The country has systematically dismantled two decades of environmental legislation and they are very unlikely to meet the country's GHG emissions targets.

“The Canadian government has failed to implement a plan to reduce carbon pollution,” said Tim Gray, executive director of Environmental Defence Canada. “It is on track to miss both its own and international targets for carbon emissions reduction, yet is recklessly pursuing plans to triple tar sands production. To date, the government has shown no ability to act as a credible partner to the U.S. on climate actions.”

The tar sands not only have national implications it also imperils the entire planet. If the Canadian government is allowed to go forward with the expansion of tar sands oil exploitation it will severely undermine efforts to keep global temperatures below two degree Celsius.

“The Harper government will stop at nothing to ruthlessly promote tar sands expansion,” said Tzeporah Berman, Canadian author and resource development activist, and panel member at the briefing. ”We have witnessed a steady erosion of rights and a concerted attack on critical environmental legislation, all as part of a plan to turn our economy towards tar sands. Democratic opposition is no longer tolerated in Stephen Harper’s Canada.”

The country is trying to clear the way for oil pipelines and other projects by withdrawing federal protection of more than 2 million rivers and lakes. They have stymied input on legislation and environmental hearings and they have also prevented federal scientists from sharing the facts about climate change and other environmental concerns.

“Canadians’ right to free expression is being quietly eroded by a pro-oil government insistent on promoting tar sands and silencing anyone who might interfere with those plans,” said panel member Franke James, a Canadian artist. ”Rather than the friendly neighbor to the north, Canada has become the dirty old man.”

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Canada's Ruling Conservatives at War with Science

October 29, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Due to a number of actions from the ruling Conservative government, science funding in Canada is in a woeful state. This includes efforts to monitor and research issues related to the environment. Total public funding for science and technology has dropped by 12 per cent in the past four years, according to a recent Statistics Canada report. Of even more concern is where federal money is being allocated. Almost all of the $454-million in new research and development funding announced by the federal government for 2013, went public-private partnerships, largely for commercialization.

The federal government's funding largely eschews basic research which is so vital not only to developing profitable new innovations but for the wider aim of our collective betterment. Scientific research is also indispensable to informed government policy.

As explained by scientist Dr. David Suzuki, “There is a systematic attack on science and democracy taking place in Canada, and the Harper government isn’t even trying to hide it. But scientists cannot and will not be silenced, not when we are facing an irreversible climate catastrophe like the tar sands.”

On September 16th, 2013, “Stand Up for Science” rallies were held in 14 cities across Canada. These protests called on the federal government to better support science done in the public interest.

Canadians need to be informed of the importance of federally funded scientific research that among other things, monitors the state of the environment and provides solutions.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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October 28, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Recognizing Sustainability Leadership in Business

October 28, 2013 1 Comment Edit

The horrendously irresponsible behavior of some corporations generates well warranted public mistrust, however, tarring all companies with the same brush is a gross injustice to the sustainability leadership shown by many firms.

For more than a decade, early adopters have been leading the charge to craft a more ecologically friendly world. Now those who led the way have helped that approach morph into a key success factor that adds value and provides a competitive advantage.

There are a number of companies who are assuming a leadership role in efforts to protect the environment, mitigate against climate change and educate the public. While it is easy to understand why some fall prey to the mistaken belief that the bigger the corporation, the greater the level of corporate irresponsibility, this is simply not so. Some corporate giants like Unileverdemonstrate that you can be a global corporate force and be responsible at the same time. Another well known company that is a global leader in sustainability is Patagonia. Their corporate conduct is exemplary.

There are many other companies that do not get the public recognition they deserve. Here is a review of some of the recent efforts being taking by ten diverse businesses in defense of a healthy planet. Some are well known while others, less so. This broad cross section of initiatives samples the responsible conduct of ten different companies.

AECOM

AECOM is a global company that is making a positive impact in a broad range of market segments. They have incorporated sustainability into their operations and community activities. They were named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the third-consecutive year and they are a signatory and participant in the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate responsibility initiative. AECOM's 2012 employees are leaders in volunteerism and along with the company, they have contributed 3.5 million in charitable donations last year.

Ceres

Ceres is a charitythat has not only incorporates sustainability into all of their activities, they are actively helping others to do the same. Their Roadmap for Sustainabilityand Interactive Website educates people and companies about the different elements of sustainability.

Ecotricity

Renewable energy pioneer Ecotricity is a maverick company that has launched an effective approach aimed at raising awareness about the need for clean energy. They are driving renewable energy awareness through an animated video, which has received more than 2.6 million views. This video addresses the pressing need to replace traditional power stations with green technology. This humorous and touching short film deals with the end of the fossil fuel industry and the rise of renewable (wind) energy.

IBM

IBM has been a green leader for more than three decades. During this time they have been recognized for their environmental efforts and in 2012, they received the European Union Code of Conduct for Data Centers Award in recognition of their long term efforts. IBM's innovation in the corporate world includes some stellar examples of consumer education. The firm's Smarter Planet Initiative encourages consumers to live a more sustainable life.

Samsung

Samsung Electronics is actively involved in greening their management, products, processes, workplace, and communities. Their take-back and recycle program is a model that keeps e-waste out of landfills. Through the program, old products can be given back in stores and efficiently recycled. This is a critical initiative as the problem of e-waste is an every growing concern.

Sony

This energy efficiency giant is also a leader in social responsibility and sustainability. They are a model for their efforts to encourage employee volunteerism with over 20,000 Sony staff members involved in efforts to feed the hungry, build homes for the needy and clean waterways.

Vestergaard Frandsen

As reviewed in the film Carbon for Water(2012), Vestergaard Fandsen shows the life-changing effect of disease control with water filters in rural Western Kenya. The firm’s Carbon for Water project, which is funded by carbon credits, delivers safe water to 4.5m people in the region, improving the health and well-being of 900,000 families, slowing deforestation and cutting 2.4m tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

Veja

Some companies like Veja are changing the traditional business paradigm altogether. Veja is an ethical footwear brand that has a ‘no advertising’ policy, the company communicates the environmental and social benefits of its products through a mix of PR, social media and events. The brand rewards workers fairly for their work, and uses sustainable materials and methods like real rubber, natural dyes and organically farmed cotton. Even their shipping is more sustainable as they emply boats rather than air freight. The company's ethical values have succeeded in increasing sales more than 10 fold.

Volkswagen

The German automaker is behind some of the greener cars on the market. Volkswagen's holistic approach drives their concept of “thinking blue,” which is about both saving energy and living more efficiently. They offer the public
a number of green tips in their‘ Think Blue Blog.”

Walt Disney

Walt Disney has more influence on children than any other company on earth. They are a sustainability leader through three core values: Act, Champion and Inspire. Act ethically and consider the consequences of your decisions on people and the planet. Champion happiness and well-being of kids and families. Inspire kids and families to make positive changes in the world that last.

Even some corporate citizens that have questionable records are getting serious about increasing their sustainability efforts. One such company is Apple. While they were previously the subject of widespread criticism, they are making significant inroads in their sustainability efforts which include going 100 percent renewable. With the hiring of former EPA chief Lisa Jackson in May, the company appears to be committed to improving its environmental record, “I wasn’t going to go anywhere that didn’t espouse those values,” Jackson recently told a crowd at GreenBiz.com’s VERGE conference in San Francisco.

Businesses worldwide are improving their environmental and social performances and educating people about sustainability in ways that inspire behavior change. Minimizing environmental impacts and being more socially responsible is also a matter of reducing costs and increasing profits. Such activities benefit a firm's reputation and positions them to thrive as we become increasingly concerned about social and environmentally issues. Most importantly, such businesses are reducing their adverse impacts and providing a model for the world. It takes time and effort to become a green leader, but smart companies are making the investment and reaping lucrative dividends.

In a world where some corporations continue to ignore their social and environmental responsibilities, it is important to recognize responsible businesses for their groundbreaking leadership.

Source: Global Warming is Real

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10 Great Companies Who Were Green Before It Was Cool"
Green Businesses that Made It Big
Interface's Award Winning Sustainable Product Innovation
PUMA's Comprehensive Sustainable Strategy
HP's Sustainable Innovation Serves the Planet and Profits
Walmart and HP's Sustainable Supply Chains
HP and Dell Sustainability Journeys

Event - Social Return on Investment - Canadian Network Launch and Professional Development Session

Social Return on Investment - Canadian Network Launch and Professional Development Session Wed Oct 30, 2013, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) 215 Spadina Ave, Toronto Toronto. Come celebrate the launch of SROI Canada Network and take part in a full-day program offered by the international SROI Network’s Sheila Durie.

During the morning program, Sheila will provide you with expert insights on stakeholder involvement, highlighting this as a distinguishing characteristic of SROI. Sheila will illustrate the practical application of stakeholder involvement using case studies. The morning will also include a demonstration of databases such as the wikivois and others, and include a discussion on how the practitioner community can help shape databases such as the wikivois and others.

The afternoon program will commence with a short presentation to celebrate the launch of SROI Network Canada, followed by a final session with Sheila where she will share additional insights and expertise on the topic of valuation. The day will conclude with a practical exercise and Q & A with Sheila.

Whole Connector Room Cost is $100 for the day (includes lunch). Space is limited to 40, so register early!

Click here for more information or to register.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Event - Sandy One Year Later Conference

Sandy One Year Later Conference will take place on October 29, 2013. New Jersey Future invites you to join us at Monmouth University in W. Long Branch for a day-long conference focused on the Sandy recovery process. Distinguished speakers, including former governors James Florio and Christine Todd Whitman and retired U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, will highlight the economic and planning impacts of Sandy and of potential future storms, and will discuss things New Jersey and its municipalities need to be doing in order to be better prepared for the next severe weather event. There is no charge to attend, but because space is limited, registration is required.

Click here for more information and registration.

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Event - Ninth Annual Champions of the Ocean Awards Dinner

Ninth Annual Champions of the Ocean Awards Dinner will take place on October 28, 2013 (6 p.m.) at Wilson Hall, Monmouth University. The theme of this year’s awards is Storm Smart=Storm Ready. The Urban Coastal Institute will present the National Ocean Champion award to Admiral Thad Allen (USCG-ret.) who directed the federal response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and was National Incident Commander for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

The Coastal and Ocean Leadership Award will be presented to the American Red Cross, South Jersey Region, and the Volunteer of the Year Award will be given to Waves of Action for the Shore, Clean Ocean Action. The Red Cross response to Superstorm Sandy was the biggest U.S. disaster response by the American Red Cross in more than five years – supported by generous donations from people and businesses across the nation. Red Cross disaster response operations spanned 11 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Before and after the storm hit, the Red Cross was there with shelter as well as millions of meals and snacks and relief items, and emotional support for tens of thousands of people affected by this huge storm. The Red Cross response in just the first six months included: 17.5 million meals and snacks to those affected up and down the East Coast; distributing more than 7 million relief items; more than 74,000 shelter stays, nearly half of all shelter stays provided by a range of groups; and emotional support and health contacts for more than 110,000 people in need.

Clean Ocean Action (COA) was uniquely qualified for the challenges that resulted from Superstorm Sandy. For nearly 30 years, COA has built strong, long-standing relationships with coastal communities, citizens, businesses, groups, and elected leaders along the New Jersey and New York shore, and beyond. In the past year, some communities needed help digging out, others needed help designing a greener future, and others needed help bringing back coastal economies. COA’s 2013 “Waves of Action” program supports these needs with volunteers and resources to help improve and protect the marine environment. Throughout 2013, COA is engaging its network of organizations, businesses, citizens, and municipalities to help coastal communities. To date, nearly 14,000 volunteers have been connected with nearly 300 project sites.

For more information click here.

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Event - Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Recruitment

Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Recruitment event will take place on Wednesday October 30, 2013, in Vancouver, BC. Admissions officers and alums will be present to answer questions about our Masters and Doctoral programs in Forestry & the Environment, the admissions process, and what it is like to be a student. Specializations at F&ES include: ecology, water resources management, forestry & land use, climate change, energy, business & the environment, policy, human dimensions of the environment, and many more!

For more information and to RSVP click here.

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Event - Regulating Climate Change: The Supreme Court, Clean Air Act and EPA's Upcoming Greenhouse Gas Rules