Showing posts with label Online. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Online. Show all posts

The Green Facts on Facebook's 10th Birthday

It has been a decade since the social media phenomenon known as Facebook first opened its doors. In that time Facebook has succumbed to public pressure from Greenpeace’s Unfriend Coal campaign and has been moving quickly in a more environmentally sustainable direction.

In addition to greener facilities Facebook hosts a vast assortment of Groups and Facebook pages related to green business, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit activism.

One of the highlights of Facebook's efforts is its new one million square foot Menlo Park Campuses in California that include 10 office buildings. The new campus features a green roof which takes the form of a tree-filled park. Facebook is also seeking LEED (Gold) certification for the new establishments.

In the Spring of 2013, Facebook joined the Department of Energy’s Workplace Charging Challenge which will assess, design, implement and install infrastructure in support of workforce plug-in electric vehicle charging stations. 

Two of Facebook’s data centers use outside air to keep servers cool and minimize energy needed for cooling. These smart-design features are being partnered with low tech solutions such as employee practices in Menlo Park. These employees are installing recycling and composting bins as well as a host of little things like reusing existing fixtures rather than buying new ones. Half of these employees are taking part in a green transportation program that relies on bikes, car pools and free shuttles.

Not all the news from Facebook is good news. In 2013 the company joined the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a powerful organization that has helped the fossil fuel industry to control state legislatures.

Facebook's worst problem concerns its burgeoning energy use. As documented in the company's annual carbon emissions and energy use report, the company's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increased 35 percent in 2012 compared with 2011. In 2012 the carbon intensity per user was about 18 percent higher compared to 2011.

To deal with the growing energy demand from its one billion users, Facebook has ambitious plans to reduce its GHGs and source much of its power from renewable energy. Facebook is building two data centers one in Iowa and one in Sweden that use only renewable power. Facebook is also decreasing emissions from office space, employee commuting and air travel, data center construction, and hardware transportation.

Facebook also teamed up with Apple and Google to force Duke Energy, their electric utility in North Carolina to offer a renewable energy program.

In a forward looking move that saves energy, Facebook is reportedly using Blu-Ray in their newly built data center in Oregon and it may incorporate the feature into other data centers. The technology provides cold storage and is capable of storing 1 petabyte of data in a single cabinet. Blu-Ray disks offers savings of up to 50 percent compared with the hard disks and uses 80 percent less energy than cold storage racks.

© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Powerful New Tool Analyzes Website Sustainability

Mightybytes is a Chicago-based company that is working to help green the digital space. They are pioneers in the often overlooked area of digital sustainability. They have launched a free innovative web-based app called EcoGrader that helps companies to assess and improve the carbon footprints of their websites.

As a certified B Corporation and a three-star certified Eco-Andersonville green business, Mightybytes has sustainability woven into their DNA. They embrace an imperative for sustainability and apply that passion to their work, their office environment, and their personal lives. They are committed to making a social impact with their work and they are equally passionate about environmental stewardship.

Mightybytes helps organizations to solve communication, design, and technical problems, build online brands, create software-based business solutions, nurture and support customer communities, reach new targeted audiences and develop digital products that meet specific marketing goals.

While Mightybytes  helps organizations of all types, they tend to work with clients who share their ideals and commitment to making the world a better place.

According to the presentation “Quality and Social Responsibility: Achieving Sustainable Results,” between 60 and 70 percent of consumers expect companies to be responsible and two-thirds of consumers say that “as a society, we need to consume a lot less to improve the environment for future generations.” Companies are responding to consumer demands by getting increasingly serious about sustainability. The Social Science Research Network reports that 60 percent of American executives think their social responsibility strategies resulted in improved corporate reputation which they see as a business benefit.

For most CSR-conscious companies, improving sustainability begins in the physical space with initiatives like recycling programs and eco-friendly sourcing of materials. However, it is far less common for companies to examine and improve their online environmental impact. This represents an important opportunity as many leading web sites are both inefficient and unsustainable.

Most people think the web is a green medium, but the average website has a carbon footprint that is similar a book or a newspaper. Today many webpages have a carbon footprint which exceeds that of a printed page, especially if the web page is left open for long periods of time, such as when reading blog posts or watching movies. Even more surprising is the fact that 9 percent of the total US energy usage goes toward powering the internet.

According to a recent report in the New York Times, data centers in the US use 10 billion watts of electricity per year and much of that energy comes from sources that are neither renewable nor clean.  As explained by Mightybytes, roughly 50 million computer servers are responsible for nearly 5 percent of the earth’s greenhouse gases.

On Earth Day (April 22, 2013) MightyBytes launched EcoGrader, a powerful free tool that enables users to assess a website's level of sustainability. This new web based app not only helps businesses by rating a site's energy efficiency, it also provides quick and easy ways to minimize the carbon footprint and improve the site.

Using EcoGrader could not be easier, all the user has to do is plug in a URL, the app then runs an analysis that grades the site on a score from 0-100 based on a site's sustainability in the following four areas:

1. Green hosting is assessed based on a provider that is powered by renewable energy or associated renewable energy credits (RECs).

2. Findability scoring is based on the amount of time that user spends looking for the information that he or she needs on a website. (The less time a user has to search for the information that they are looking for, the less energy is required to deliver that content).

3. Design and user experience ranking is grounded in mobile optimizations and the use of HTML 5 and CSS 3 instead of Flash. (When data-heavy assets weigh down a site, more energy is required to bring up the site).

4. Performance scores depend on page load times and the number of files and server requests required for each page to load.

Scores in each area are aggregated for a composite grade between 0 and 100.  Not only does EcoGrader provide scores that assess a website's level of sustainability, it provides quick and easy tips that help users to address weaknesses in their sites.

In addition to EcoGrader, Mightybytes also offers a cornucopia of information on sustainable web design. Their Sustainable Web Design blog post series examines what you can do to save energy while browsing the web and how to optimize images for speed and sustainability.

As the business world embraces sustainability, EcoGrader is a powerful tool that is destined to become the focus of considerable attention.

To get a free assessment of your website click here.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Top 25 Sustainable Brands on Twitter

Here is Triple Pundit's list of 25 for-profit businesses who are using Twitter to support their advocacy of people, planet and profits.

1. @SCJgreenchoices: Daily tweets from SC Johnson’s Global Corporate Affairs, Communication & Sustainability team on environmental topics, tips & green choices.
2. @Unilever: Sharing new content and engaging topics like marketing, business strategy, results, and sustainable living.
3. @SustainableSAP: Tweeting general sustainability and CSR info, and news about SAP’s sustainability solutions/efforts.
4. @CiscoCSR: Sharing resources for nonprofits & NGOs as well as global corporate social responsibility news & updates from Cisco.
5. @WalMartGreen: WalMart believes that together, we will create a more sustainable world to help people live better. 6.
@Ecomagination: GE’s forum for fresh thinking and conversation about clean technology and sustainable infrastructure.
7. @WasteManagement: Waste Management Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions in North America.
8. @eBayGreen: Join eBayGreen to help the world buy, sell and think green every day!
9. @Stonyfield: Everything you want, and nothing you don’t! Fresh, organic tweets from the world’s leading organic yogurt maker.
10. @TerraCycle: Global leader in collecting hard-to-recycle waste to be recycled or upcycled. TerraCycle turns waste into new items.
11. @BASF: BASF is the world’s leading chemical company. About 113,000 employees worldwide create chemistry for a sustainable future.
12. @SeventhGen: Seventh Generation is committed to being the most trusted brand of household and personal-care products for your living home.
13. @JNJNews: The Johnson and Johnson company, partners and communities are caring for the world, one person at a time.
14. @Recyclebank: Recyclebank rewards you for taking every-day green actions with discounts and deals from local and national businesses.
15. @REI: Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) is a member-owned coop, circa 1938, providing gear, guidance, and inspiration to get outdoors and explore nature.
16. @NativeEnergy: An expert provider of carbon offsets, renewable energy credits, and carbon accounting software.
17. @DardenSustains: Darden is the world’s largest full-service restaurant company; investing in our culture, restaurants and supply chain. Their focus is People, Planet, Plate.
18. @DuPont_ability: DuPont sustainability news: clean energy, solar, wind, biofuels, climate change, green chemistry and renewably sourced products to help people and the planet.
19. @AnniesHomegrown: Annie’s Foods says… We make good food, but that’s just the beginning. Let’s watch good grow.
20. @OATshoes: OAT Shoes are Shoes that Bloom: bury them after they wear down and flowers bloom, while the shoes decompose!
21. @Sainsburys: This grocery chain believes its values give real competitive advantage, and looks to differentiate on this basis for customers, colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders.
22. @AirBnB: Airbnb connects travelers seeking authentic experiences with hosts offering unique, inspiring spaces around the world.
23. @Interface_NA: Setting the pace for development of quality modular carpet tile using materials and processes that take less from the environment.
24. @SouthwestAir: Environmental Stewardship is a responsibility Southwest Airlines takes seriously, and efficient operations are the hallmark of the company.
25. @Zipcar: A community of folks who’ve found out that car sharing beats the heck outta car ownership.

Source: Triple Pundit

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Sustainable Learning Online: UNESCO's Young Masters Programme

In 2011 UNESCO inaugurated a global online education programme for 16–18 year-old students to learn about sustainability issues and solutions. The Young Masters Programme (YMP) is a free global web-based education and learning network about sustainable development. The programme is open for secondary students and their teachers from all over the world.

Extensive on-line teaching material gives the students a thorough understanding of sustainability issues and preventive environmental strategies. The students can also put their knowledge into practical use by starting sustainability projects in their local community.

The course material is in English with built-in glossaries and narrations. Close cooperation with scholars at Lund University, in Sweden, ensures that the content is up to date and in line with recent scientific findings. Challenging assignments inspire students and enhance their interest in the studies.

YMP was first initiated by the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE), at Lund University in 1999 and has since catered to more than 20 000 students from over 110 countries.

The internet is not only used to distribute the course, but to create virtual classrooms where teachers and students from all corners of the world are brought together to compare and discuss their results, share experiences and knowledge, and to receive and give feedback on their assignments. In the on-line community, students learn from each other by sharing first-hand information with their peers in different countries. They also gain an understanding of common sustainability challenges and different local perspectives and solutions. Together, students and teachers learn in a interactive way that textbooks do not allow.

Examples of past YMP work includes a group of students from China’s Gezhi High School who have found a way to harness the energy generated by exercise equipment in parks and residential areas. The group used a generator that can save the energy in a battery pack which can then be used to power LED lights. According to UNESCO, the clean energy produced entails an estimated reduction of carbon dioxide by 66 kg per year for each piece of exercise equipment.

To register of for more information click here.

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Free Online Education

Distance learning is part of a growing trend that makes it easier for people to learn online, often in very flexible formats that accommodate busy schedules. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) is amongst a number of educational institutions that are offering free education online. Others include Academic Earth, Khan Academy and the Open University (OU). These schools provide a number of courses in a great many different disciplines including those that relate to the environment.

M.I.T.x was launched in 2012, it offers free online teaching of M.I.T. courses. For a nominal fee, participants are even eligible to receive an official certificate of completion. The new online platform will be more interactive than the university’s original free online platform called OpenCourseWare (OCW). OCW has been used for 10 years by over 100 million students and contains course material for roughly 2,100 classes. What makes M.I.T.x distinct from OCW is the fact that it provides an interactive experience as opposed to simple videotaped lectures.

Academic Earth was picked by Time Magazine as one of the 50 best websites of 2009, it has cornered the market on free online education by making a smorgasbord of online course content – from prestigious universities such as Stanford and Princeton – accessible and free to anyone in the world.

Khan Academy is for K-12, and it offers free interactive educational experience that include assessments and exercises.

Open University (OU) is one of the best places to find free online environmentally oriented courses. OU is a world leader in modern distance learning, the pioneer of teaching and learning methods which enable people to achieve their career and life goals studying at times and in places to suit them. The OU’s mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. Their efforts to widen participation in education and make learning resources available free of charge, do not sacrifice quality.

Here is a summary of some of the dozens of environmentally oriented courses available from OU:

An introduction to sustainable energy (T206_2)
Environment: Following the flows (U116_2)
Environment: Treading lightly on the Earth (U116_1)
Global warming (E500_11)
Health and environment (SK220_2)
Sustainable Scotland (T123_1)
Urban and rural waste in China (U116_3)
Why sustainable energy matters (T206_1)
Working with our environment - an introduction (T172_1)
Claiming connections: A distant world of sweatshops? (DD205_2)
Climate change (U316_1)
Climate change (S250_3)
Earth's physical resources: petroleum (S278_1)
Living in a globalised world (DD205_1)
Managing coastal environments (U216_1)
Nuclear power: Friend or foe? (DU311_1)
Systems practice: Managing sustainability (T306_4)
Systems thinking: Understanding sustainability (T306_3)
Diagramming for development 1 - Bounding realities (TU872_1)
Diagramming for development 2 - Exploring interrelationships (TU875_1)
Integrated safety, health and environmental management: An introduction (T835_1)
Introducing international development management (TU870_1)
Logframe planning (TU870_2)
Developing countries in the world trade regime (DU321_1)
Introducing environmental decision making (T863_1)
Managing Complexity: A Systems Approach (T306_1)
Managing complexity: A systems approach – introduction (T306_2)
Nature matters: caring and accountability (TD866_2)
Nature matters in conversation (TD866_1)
Nature matters: Systems thinking and experts (TD866_3)
Rights and justice in international relations (DU301_1)

To learn more about OU's free environmental courses click here.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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On-Line Sustainability Training Opportunities from the SLC

The Sustainability Learning Centre's (SLC) new e-learning Sustainability Education Series has over 50, 15 minute modules that focus on Green Core Competencies. The 50 modules range from Sustainability Planning to Green Fleet and Supply Chain Management.  Each module is 15 minutes, self-directed and complete with “tests for understanding”.  Participants can gain recognition toward sustainability learning certification.

Each training module provides information and directions for facilitating and developing key sustainability initiatives. Many companies and human resource executives require certain methodologies for on line training and the series meets these requirements as the courses are SCORM compliant, is of the highest quality in design and includes narration, graphics, and superior tests for knowledge.

To Register

To Register - click on the Core Competency title or picture for the program descriptions.  Only course groupings may be purchased, not individual courses.  Click on the Register tab to register.

Green Core Competencies & Courses

A competency is an observable, behavioural act that demonstrates a professional's knowledge, skill and ability.  Upon completion of each "core competency" participants receive a "Certificate of Completion".  These certificates can be used toward certification as a Sustainability Professional. 
  1. Pathway to Reimaging and Understanding Sustainability

    • The Natural Step E-Learning Course
    • Introduction to Sustainability & Understanding your Sustainable Self
    • Sustainability has a History
  2. Pathway to Sustainability Strategy

    • Planning Policies for Government & Business
    • Introduction to Action Initiatives
    • Guidelines for Transparency for your Stakeholders
    • Leadership & Administration
     For More Information on this Module or To Register
  3. Eco-Efficiency

    1. Energy Plan  (For More Information or To Register)
    2. Waste Management
      • Waste Concepts are a Part of History
      • Tracking & Transporting Waste
      • Solid Waste Principles
      • What can be Recycled?
      • A Plan to begin Managing your Waste
      • Contractual Guidelines are a Must
      For More Information or To Register
    3. Green Cleaning Practices
      • Becoming Familiar with Green Cleaning Concepts
      • Changing your Cleaning Practices
      For More Information or To Register
    4. Water Conservation
      • Efficient Use of Your Water Resources
      • Learn about Water Conservation (Case Study - health care)
      • Water Filtering Options & Storage
      • Preventing Storm Water Pollution
      For More Information or To Register
  4. Eco-Effectiveness

    1. Sustainable Supply Chains
      • Leadership, Assessment & Life Cycle Analysis
      • Environmental Costs and Benefits
      • Guiding Your Company's Plan
      • Success Story
      For More Information or To Register
    2.  Sustainable Purchasing Practices
      • Concepts in Green Purchasing
      • Involve your Purchase Department in Sustainability
      For More Information or To Register
    3. Transportation & Green Fleet Management
      • Introduction to Green Fleet Concepts
      • Alternative Fuel Overview
      • Green Fleet Case Studies
      • Green Transportation Saves on the Bottom Line
    4. Green Building/Systems/Materials
      • Green Building and Renovations Defined
      • Energy Efficient Systems
      • Driving Forces for Change
      • Risks and Benefits of Green Construction
      • Green Construction Risk Assessments
    5. Renewable Energy
      • Introduction Renewable Energy to Government & Business
      • Identifying Local Renewable Resources
      • Basic Training of Renewable Energy
      • Waste to Energy
  5. Sustainability Systems

    1. Environmental Accounting
      • General Environmental Management System Guidance
      • International Standards
      • Environmental Management System Implementation
      • Planning for Environmental Accountability
      • Tracking Carbon Emissions
    2. Green Certification and Standards
      • Green Certification and Standards
      • Energy Ratings and Audits Defined
      • Certifications and Energy Standard Case Studies
      • Green Building Adding to the Bottom Line
  6. Sustainable Consumption

  7. Social Responsibility

    1. Social Responsibility
      • Definition and Benefits
      • Guidelines for Transparency for Your Stakeholders
      • Leadership and Administration
  8. Food Service

    • Waste and Recycling in Food Service
    • Greener Food Service Practices

Links

Other ON-Line E - Learning Resourc



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The University of Vermont's Advanced Certificates in Sustainability

The University of Vermont is now offering sustainability training that is designed to lead your organization to sustainability and profitability. The University of Vermont online sustainability certificate programs provide a flexible and convenient way for today’s organizations and busy professionals to learn the latest in sustainable operations models and maximize their current sustainability skills.

Organizations today – from multinational corporations to higher education institutions – are realizing the critical opportunity in making sustainability a core competency moving forward into the future. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are at the forefront of mainstream consumers, college students and society as a whole. In today’s world of increasing environmental awareness, sustainability is no longer optional; companies and educational institutions need to assess the environmental, social, and economic impact they have on our communities and systematically implement sustainable practices. To meet this new demand, a need for personnel to develop an expertise in the best practices and strategies of sustainability has emerged. Today’s organizations need trained subject matter experts to transform their standard operating practices in the proper direction.

Sustainability training from the University of Vermont, now attainable online, can enable trained professionals to become a critical factor in the redirection of organizations worldwide. Offered 100% online, their advanced sustainability certificate courses allow students to attend classes any time that is convenient, 24/7. The video-based, instructor led courses allow students to pause, rewind and replay lectures, and the MP4 format permits students to download the lectures to their smart phone or other video-enabled mobile devices.

UVM’s sustainability certificate programs teach students how to address such areas as reducing waste and conserving energy, water and other natural resources. Students will also learn how to engage the community to enhance the public image of your organization, and ultimately realize the monetary and social impacts of those changes through cost savings and profits. After earning your advanced sustainability certificate, you will be able to show that you have attained the expertise required to protect people, planet and profit!

On the path to a sustainable world, innovation separates successful organizations from the rest. The University of Vermont's 100% online Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Innovation shows how the Triple Bottom Line of people, planet and profit makes it possible to maintain your profitability while meeting your environmental and social responsibilities. Through video-based lectures, you'll master innovative strategies for reducing waste and increasing revenue potential and operational efficiency, positioning yourself as a sustainability leader within your organization. And you'll earn a valuable certificate from U.S. News-ranked UVM, home of the Institute for Global Sustainability.

Sustainable Innovation

Gain the vital knowledge and skills in sustainable business practices to help increase your company’s profitability and empower your organization as an established sustainability leader. Become your organization’s sustainability powerhouse and earn your corporate sustainability certificate today. Foster a sense of responsibility for the environment, grow social awareness, and boost profitability.

Campus Sustainable Innovation

Play a pivotal role at your campus in the movement towards a sustainable future. Learn how to engage students, faculty and staff in the metamorphosis of your school and community into an ideal model of sustainable innovation. Help your campus and community by becoming the driving force in campus sustainability. Earn your campus sustainability certificate today.

Highlights of the Online Sustainable Innovations Programs:

•Six yearly sessions •Manageable 8-week courses •Study part- or full-time •No mandatory login times •Study programs specifically designed for business or higher education •Convenient for working professionals or U.S. military stationed worldwide

The University of Vermont’s advanced online certificate courses are taught by industry experts with wide-ranging knowledge and experience in campus and corporate sustainability. The interactive teaching platform creates a dynamic and interactive learning experience, enhanced by an unparalleled combination of collaborative online classroom tools and instructor-led lectures and discussions delivered via streaming video.

To visit UVM’s online advanced sustainability certificate website click here. For more information speak to a University Alliance program representative for more information or call 855-300-1467 to speak to a representative.

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Success of #EndFossilFuelSubsidies Twitter Storm Directed at Rio+20

On Monday June 18, climate change activists used Twitter to send a message to end fossil fuel subsidies that has echoed around the world. People all over the planet understand that it's simply wrong to be spending tax dollars off to the richest industry in the world, an industry that's wrecking the atmosphere and endangering our shared future. The 24-hour "Twitter storm" garnered the support of hundreds of thousands of people and was the top ranked tweet of the day. According to the Guardian this was the top trending topic in the  US and second place globally while Topsy.com reported that it was the #1 story in the world. Politicians have also joined the storm, with messages streaming in from Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi in the US and former Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand.

In addition to the Twitterstorm, activists at Avaaz.org, Friends of the Earth, and 350.org delivered a petition of more than 750,000 signatures calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies to 10 Downing Street this morning. Similar petitions are being presented in other nations. In Rio yesterday in which campaigners unfurled a massive trillion dollar bill on Copacabana beach marked with calls for an end to the subsidies, which are approaching that scale.

Keep the Twitterstorm alive and Tweet this post. To make sure the message is not ignored organizers at 350.org are asking people to get 5 friends on Twitter to join the storm. Share this Facebook event on your wall and tag five of your savviest friends asking them to join. 

The Twitter Storm has made it that much more likely that we will see the beginning of the end of fossil fuel subsidies.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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India's GreenMela Website Business Resources

GreenMela is a new website that focuses on a panoply of green elements including green business. The site claims to be India'a No.1 green online platform. GreenMela aims to unlock India's green potential and help green to grow and grow clean.

GreenMela offers comprehensive coverage of 14+ Sectors and 80+ Sub-Sectors. The GreenMela site includes a platform to showcase CSR activities by green companies, a platform to showcase green entrepreneurs, green business ideas, green news and current affairs, a green marketplace for green and eco-friendly products, green jobs section, green tips, green events, green promotional offers, green social networking. green photos and videos, there is even a whistle blower section to share environmental wrong-doings anomalously.

As quoted on their site:

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." - Shakespeare

To review the featured areas on the GreenMela site click here.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Video: Introduction to 24 Hours of Reality



Between September 14th and 15th, the event 24 Hours of Reality saw people around the globe calling attention to the climate crisis and working to solve it. By the time former Vice President Al Gore finished his presentation on the evening of September 15th, the 24 hour long event had 8.6 million views.

There are countless stories of impressive grassroots mobilization for the event. A company in Tel Aviv hosted a watch party at their headquarters. A group of graduate students in Athens, Georgia rented out a popular local movie theater. People across the world joined hands to say: Climate change is real, it’s happening now and the time to act is now.

But this is just the beginning. There are important actions you can take today:

Request a presentation: There are more than 3,000 trained Climate Presenters around the globe. Organize an event and invite a Presenter to come to your community.
Go local: Team up with our partners around the world and help solve the climate crisis. Visit our website to find a partner organization near you.
Moving Planet: On Sept 24, hit the streets with http://350.org for a global day of action. Find an activity near you.
Check our comprehensive video library to watch highlights from 24 Hours of Reality.

It is up to all of us to continue to stand up for reality and share the truth about the climate crisis. We will succeed because we must.

For more information click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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24 Hours of Reality

This event is a 24-hour worldwide marathon all about the reality of the climate crisis. 24 Hours of Reality will be broadcast live online, over 24 hours, representing 24 time zones and 13 languages. The Climate Reality Project will host the live streaming event, which begins on September 13 at 8 p.m. EDT and ends at the same time on September 14.

A different climate activist will speak each hour on the effect climate change is having on his or her community and "connect the dots" between human emissions and more frequent and extreme weather, the group says. The event will conclude with a multimedia presentation by Gore live from New York City.

This global event designed to help people to make the connection between extreme weather, climate change, and the need to push the planet beyond fossil fuels.

Around the world, people will use the power of the Internet to present their stories of living with climate change, and make clear the connection between extreme weather and the corporate carbon pollution that's changing our climate. All the presentations, which will be in multiple languages, and in every single time zone, will be streamed live at ClimateRealityProject.org. 24 Hours of Reality is being spearheaded by Vice President Al Gore.

24 Hours of Reality is a worldwide event to broadcast the reality of the climate crisis. It will consist of a new multimedia presentation created by Al Gore and delivered once per hour for 24 hours, representing every time zone around the globe. 24 Presenters. 24 Time Zones. 13 Languages. 1 Message.

Each hour people living with the reality of climate change will connect the dots between recent extreme weather events — including floods, droughts and storms — and the manmade pollution that is changing our climate. We will offer a round-the-clock, round-the-globe snapshot of the climate crisis in real time. The deniers may have millions of dollars to spend, but we have a powerful advantage. We have reality.

From Tonga to Cape Verde, Mexico City to Alaska, Jakarta to London, people living with the impacts of climate change every day will tell their story. You can experience as much as you like without even leaving your home. Click here to find the location — or locations — where you would like to watch a presentation. Due to logistical considerations, three of the presentations will be broadcast remotely from New York — Tonga, the Solomon Islands and French Polynesia — but will include local footage and information. All other presentations will be filmed on location around the world.

For more information click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Green Training Modules From Green Education Online

Green Education Online provides green educational modules for the adult learner. Here are 21 green training modules:

Green Cleaning Specialist: This module is for the student who wants to focus on a career in the green cleaning industry. A review of green cleaning techniques and practices for business and residential applications or for the homeowner as well. Upon passing the final exam, a certificate of completion will be issued.
Duration: 6 hours
Cost: $299.00


Green Germ Control Specialist: This module provides a Green approach to sanitization methods. The continued impact of MRSA, H1N1, and more that 30 contagious diseases requires a knowledge of how to address this concerns from a cleaning point of view as the first line of defense. Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a certificate of completion.
Duration: 4 Hours
Cost: $149.00


Green Building for Health Care Professionals: Cost: This module delivers information on the impact of green building cleaning practices and the benefits of recycling, renewable energy and waste management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hospitals and nursing facilities are among the most hazardous work environments. Upon passing the final exam students will receive the GCHCP-GL, a Level One Green Certified Health Care Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: $399.00


Green Building for Insurance Professionals: This module yet easily is packed with information and links. This course offers an in depth view of green building and what the future will hold for insuring these new types of building systems. We review the importance of renewable energy, commissioning and accountability and how green building materials impact the insurance industry. Upon passing the final exam, insurance industry professionals will receive the GCIP-GL, a Level One, Green Certified Insurance Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours


Green Handyman and Weatherization Specialist: This course is for those in construction trades. It provides a basic introduction to making a home Greener, more efficient or sustainable, and reducing the cost of home operation. Some experience with basic construction, simple carpentry skills, and some hands‐on practice in a variety of home improvement items will be an advantage. Knowing how to use a caulking gun, install insulation, and refit a thermostat are simple skills that we anticipate are not new to the student. Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a certificate of completion.
Cost: Cost: $299.00
Duration: 6 hours


Green Landscaping: This course module is designed for the professional landscaper or caring homeowner to teach how to reinvent the way traditional landscaping has been done. Most landscaping processes are anti-green, but this course provides tremendous insight into lawn care, weed control, fertilizer, and irrigation. Special topics covered in this course include prairie reversion, Green roofs, and phyto-remediation offering tremendous insight into the future of landscaping. Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a certificate of completion.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours


CSR- Corporate Social Responsibility/Green Business Practices: This module discusses corporate social responsibility. We review green business concepts such as recycling, sustainability and we offer information on renewable energy and a guide for developing a business energy plan. Upon passing the final exam, students will receive the GCBL-GL, a Level One Green Certified Business Leader®, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours


Green Government Leader: This module includes a step-by-step guide for developing an energy plan and define a government’s commitment to become more socially responsible. An overview of green fleet management, renewable energy and resources will be defined. Upon passing the final exam, students will receive the GCGL-GL, a Level One Green Certified Government Leader, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours


Green Certified Home Inspector: This module introduces the home inspector to green building, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Suggestions are offered on what the home inspector can do to assist homeowners and homebuyers in making informed decisions on future green renovations. Upon passing the final exam, licensed home inspectors will receive the GCHI-GL, a Level One Green Certified Home Inspector, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours


Green Building for Mortgage Professionals- Level One Certification: This module offers an overview of green building systems and energy financing products that lenders, loan officers, and underwriters need to understand to assist a homeowner to become more energy efficient. A review of FHA, VA, FANNIE AND FREDDIE guidelines, limitations and ratios are offered. Upon passing the final exam licensed professionals will receive the GCMP-GL, a Level One Green Certified Mortgage Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours


Green Building for Real Estate Professionals- Level One Certification: ARELLO approved content, this module offers real estate professionals who want to gain insight on the proper way to guide clients as they begin to show interest in these new types of renovations. Energy ratings, renewable energy, energy mortgage concepts and green certification process are discussed. Upon passing the final exam, students will receive a logo for marketing and the GCREP-GL, a Level One Green Certified Real Estate Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours


Waste Management Coordinator: This module offers information on how to develop recycling programs within a company or government entity to initiate and monitor performance. They will be able to supervise waste management efforts,learn about sustainability and the basics of renewable energy. Upon passing the final exam, the student will receive a Waste Management Coordinator certificate of completion at the end of the class.
Cost: $299.00
Duration: 6 hours


Sustainability Planning Specialist: This course for professional development addresses the importance of social responsibility and developing an internal process to monitor organizational sustainability issues. The course guides the student in how to assist a company in developing a plan to have a more sustainable approach in areas such as renewable energy, waste stream management and green building practices, Upon passing the final exam, the student will receive a Sustainability Planning Specialist certificate of completion.
Cost: $299.00
Duration: 6 hours


Certified Sustainability Officer: This course prepares the student for a career within a company or government entity. The course will teach techniques to develop and monitor energy programs and energy consumption. They will be able to supervise waste management efforts. Upon completing a case study/lab project and then passing the final exam, the student will receive an actual national certification from the Green Business League.
Cost: $1595.00
Duration: 35 hours


Introduction to Waste Management Concepts:Businesses in all industries will benefit from the guidance in this course. The student will be introduced to the concepts in waste management and the possibility of the production of revenue streams.
Cost: $69.95

Green Government Leadership and Sustainability: A course for all in the government arena to understand how to organize for a leadership role in their community, Designed for all levels to understand the need for an energy plan, green fleet management and government’s role in the green arena.
Cost: $69.95

Introduction to Energy Efficient Mortgages: This module is a review of green building basics and a look into the energy financing products available for lenders. We define a lenders role and guidelines for loan processing to develop the creation of a new revenue stream.
Cost: $69.95

Understanding Social Responsibility and Green Building for Lenders: This course offers insight into the world of green building and the responsibility the lending profession has in this day and age. We define what green building is and the green rating certification process. Information is offered on the importance of corporate social responsibility, its definition and lender positioning in this arena.
Cost: $69.95

Introduction to Sustainability Planning: A course for any student who wishes to introduce concepts to begin to implement sustainability into a company's business model. We define sustainability principles and offer an actual plan to begin the process of implementation. Upon passing a final exam, a certificate of completion is offered.
Cost: $69.95

Company Branding and Positioning in the Green Economy: This module reviews corporate social responsibility concepts and discusses how to conduct outreach, the power of green purchasing, energy plan design and the importance of green cleaning policies. Understanding these principles will help develop your company’s direction for branding that will have a positive effect on your stakeholders.
Cost: $69.95

Waste Management for the Health Care Industry: This module is for all levels of management and for employees who work in a health care facility. Health care facilities are among the most hazardous work environments and they produce tons of waste per year. Through a review of case studies, the student will understand the possibility of additional revenue streams while producing a healthier indoor environment.
Cost: $69.95

For more information visit the Green Education Online or contact admin@greeneducationonline.com

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Cyber Monday 2010

Cyber Monday 2010
Green Gift Monday

In 2010, Cyber Monday takes place on November 29, and it is the biggest online shopping day of the year. On this day buyers are shopping online to take advantage of the deals offered on the web. This year a record breaking one billion dollars was spent online.

Online shopping is generally a greener way to shop, this is due to the fact that trucks can deliver goods efficiently and it takes a lot less energy to run a warehouse for boxes of goods than a mall.

According to a 2007 survey done by Conservation International, more than one-third of consumers indicated they will shop more online and in catalogs to save on gas.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) said that 70.1 million people plan to take advantage of 2010 Cyber Monday deals. The NRF also estimated that 88% of retailers will have special deals. Web retailers offer big discounts, free gift cards, and free shipping in order to entice buyers.

Even prior to Cyber Monday, online shopping was on the increase. On Thanksgiving Day, Paypal showed a 25% increase in 2010 over 2009, and this may be an indication of increases for 2010 Cyber Monday sales.

In the UK, online retailers are bullish about the run up to Christmas with sales estimated to rise to £6.4bn in December, according to IMRG, the e-commerce trade association. Last December, consumers spent £5.5bn online – itself a 17 per cent rise on the year before. The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index for October revealed the highest October growth since pre-recession levels.

Chris Webster, head of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini said: “The market continues to grow ahead of our expectations and this is a crucial time for e-retailers to beat the competition by using innovative strategies and tactical promotions in the run up to Christmas. The web is consistently seen as the place to go for bargains and retailers with an online presence should use this to their advantage.”

Bjorn Kvarby, European Managing director of Shopping.com, said: “2010 is proving to be an incredible year for online shopping, as consumers begin to realize just how easy, time-efficient, and cost effective it is to find what they are looking for online.

"We’re already predicting overall growth for Shopping.com at 23 per cent for December 2010, year-on-year, and believe it’s going to be a bumper Christmas for the online retail market.”

To shop for products made by companies that manufacture greener products, seeThe Nature Conservancy's Green Gift Monday site, which is part of a campaign to turn Cyber Monday in a sustainable direction.


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